All week I have been talking about arthritis: the facts of it, my story of 13+ years of pain, a giveaway and a video with a quick overview of arthritis and what you can do, and my friend’s story of fibromyalgia (an arthritis-related condition). Today is all about what you can do.
1. Wear blue on Sunday, October 12 and explain why. Even if you just tweet, “Today, I’m wearing blue for World Arthritis Day.”
2. Share some of the information of arthritis on whatever platform you can – social media, a blog, in person to other people you know, whatever. Share the stories of people who live with arthritis (if they give you that permission). Share the truth to the person who makes a disparaging comment about how someone with arthritis should just get over it.
3. Donate to one of the organizations that help people with arthritis, including research and lobbying the law-makers of your country. In the US, some such organizations include The Arthritis Foundation and The Arthritis National Research Foundation. To whomever you donate, make sure that the organization you choose does what you want. Do you want advocacy, research, lobbying? Which is most important? What exactly does the organization you donate to do with your money? To whomever you donate, ensure that they do what you want.
4. Run or walk for a cause. You can join the Arthritis Walk, the Jingle Bell Walk/Run, Race for a Cure, or others that have a similar purpose: the money goes toward arthritis research and advocacy.
5. Buy products or services whose profit goes toward organizations that fund research and advocacy.
There you have it. 5 easy ways to make a difference in the life of over 50 million Americans who have arthritis. And if that’s how many have it in America – think of how many people across the world do.
Finally, thank you all who came by this week, sent encouraging words, shared the stories and information from the week, and more. I have shared this information this week in order to spread the word – and you are a part of that. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. Have in incredible weekend, and if you do nothing else, wear blue on Sunday.
Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
I had no idea it was World Arthritis Day on Sunday! At the age of 28 I'm developing osteoarthritis in my elbow. Some days it aggravates me to the point where it interferes with my work, and when I mention the pain to my husband or family, I think they often think I'm being dramatic. Thanks for sharing, I will definitely be wearing blue 🙂
You have done such an AMAZING job advocating for this disease and its sufferers, Kate. EVERY DAY, you do, but this week especially. Thank you so much for using your voice. 🙂 I am beyond grateful that I "know" you!