Jodi’s First ACR
As a brand new member of the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation Board, I was thrilled to be able to attend the 2018 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago this fall! The four-day event, highlighted rheumatology developments and drew medical professionals and researchers from around the world. It was an eye-opening experience! The amount of information at this conference was overwhelming but at the same time, informative, encouraging and made me even more committed to RPF’s mission!
Most of the RPF board members were able to volunteer to work in the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation booth and we talked to many people who stopped by, i.e., doctors, nurse practitioners, researchers, pharmaceutical reps, and people living with rheumatoid disease.
Attending this conference has made me deeply aware of what my friends and family with rheumatoid disease have to live with on a daily basis. Since I do not have RD, I can never truly know what it must be like, but I can try my best to be supportive, sensitive and another warrior in the fight to spread awareness and pray for a cure for those who suffer.
The main point I left the conference with is the fact that research previously and currently taking place is moving forward daily to improve the health and lives of people who live with rheumatoid disease. We are all fighting for changes & improvements that will improve the quality of life for millions of people.
