Stories

“When I was at my weakest and most vulnerable, learning to cope with three types of arthritis, and being told that I would be wheelchair bound for the rest of my life, people from the Arthritis Society lifted me up. They encouraged me to become a volunteer and use my experiences to help others who are struggling,” says Cheryl Johnson.

Cheryl decided to leave a legacy gift to the Arthritis Society in her Will so that the vitally important work we’re doing will continue. She knows her contribution will be directed to where it can make the maximum impact and help the most: supporting people affected by arthritis and funding research to one day find a cure. She is also confident that the Arthritis Society is fiscally responsible.

“It’s important for me to leave something behind. I hope you will join me in giving the gift of a lifetime.”

Witnessing their mothers experience pain and suffering from rheumatoid arthritis inspired Diane Blake and Stephen Smith to support the Arthritis Society’s research efforts with a $100,000 gift.

“Arthritis is often perceived as being in a different category from cancer or stroke, for example, but it affects a significant number of people and is very debilitating and painful,” says Diane. Though her mother’s generation often considered arthritis an inevitable part of aging, Diane believes “we have to make an effort to preserve the quality of life for people in their later years.”

Diane has taken this to heart. In addition to her own gift, she hosted a virtual event in September 2020 to introduce friends to the Arthritis Society and arthritis research.

“Due to our personal experiences with our mothers, and because we know there currently is no cure, we feel that arthritis research can have a big impact.”

Fifty-eight-year-old Sandra was surprised by her osteoarthritis diagnosis 10 years ago. There’s no history of arthritis in her family and she’s always maintained a healthy diet and lifestyle. The Toronto, Ontario resident says the Arthritis Society website became her “home for a month,” where she learned how to take control of her disease. “From everything I read, and the videos I watched, I knew I could manage and overcome this.”

• Read Sandra's story

Arthritis doesn’t slow Oscar down. In fact, it’s inspired the 12-year-old summer camp participant to raise $1,500 over the next three years.

“I want to help other kids and to show people there are more kids like me. Maybe one day we find a cure. This can also help them go to Camp.”

Diagnosed with arthritis at age six, Carolane hosted a 24-hour online fundraiser in honour of her late mother, who had rheumatoid arthritis.

“Arthritis can turn our lives upside down, but despite the limitations and pain, it makes me a more grateful person.”

Living with psoriatic arthritis, Michel Lacroix, the famous “voice” of the Montreal Canadiens, had many questions when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived last year. He turned to the Arthritis Society and our Arthritis Talks webinars to stay informed and to help him stay healthy. He benefited from them so much that he later accepted the invitation to host two webinars himself. “Arthritis Talks answered the questions I had. I was happy to offer my voice and give back."

• Read Michel's story

Claire Neilson, 22, has learned to take juvenile idiopathic arthritis in strides, really big ones. Her exposure to the health system as a teen inspired her to pursue a medical degree. And the support she received from the Arthritis Society inspired her last November to give back with a unique fundraiser – a daily run up St. John’s, Newfoundland’s iconic Signal Hill. “Every day I feel good is a blessing, so I’ll do anything I can do.”

• Read Claire's story