Arthritis Foundation Expands to Further Engage People Living with Arthritis

ATLANTA (Jan. 7, 2016) – The Arthritis Foundation welcomes Arthritis Introspective into the Arthritis Foundation family, as part of an expanding range of resources that provide help and support to people with all types of arthritis and related conditions. The combined talents, reach and capabilities of both organizations will enhance community-based outreach for more people living with the disease.

“At the Arthritis Foundation, we’re committed to expanding our range of connection points that provide help and support to people with all types of arthritis and related conditions,” said Ann M. Palmer, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “Arthritis Introspective has done amazing work building a support network where people with rheumatic diseases can strengthen communities through in-person meetings. We believe their nationwide network of peer-led, local groups – combined with the Arthritis Foundation’s reach and resources – will strengthen our ability to be a Champion of Yes! for more people living with arthritis.”

Since 2007, Arthritis Introspective (AI) has served individuals living with rheumatic diseases and their loved ones through a network of local peer-led support groups and an annual educational conference known as the Arthritis Introspective National Gathering. While two-thirds of people living with arthritis are under the age of 65, Arthritis Introspective founder, Kevin Purcell, felt alone and isolated with the disease in his mid-20s before joining his first support group for young adults. The positive impact of the face-to-face support he experienced in this group led to the creation of Arthritis Introspective. In its work, Arthritis Introspective strives to create a fun, supportive environment that nurtures relationships and positive coping skills.

“Our goal at Arthritis Introspective has always been to provide people with rheumatic diseases the opportunity to connect with others and experience life-altering support,” said Kevin Purcell, founder and president of Arthritis Introspective. “Uniting with the Arthritis Foundation, we are now able to expand the impact of our services to countless young- and middle-aged adults and their loved ones.”

For more information on either group, you can visit www.arthritis.org/arthritisintrospective.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers per issue.

Media Contact:

Rachel Wingard
Cookerly Public Relations
(404) 419-9229; [email protected]