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Why Your Gift Matters

Why Give

Arthritis is serious

Right now six million Canadians of all ages have arthritis. That’s 1 in 5 adults and up to 24,000 children.  The disease is painful. It’s debilitating. And there is no cure. 

Throughout our 72-year history, donor support has been critical to helping people manage their arthritis today through the Arthritis Society’s information and support resources, while providing essential funding for the advocacy and research efforts shaping the future of this disease. 

Donor support will continue to be critical because without action now, the number of Canadians living with arthritis will soon grow to nine million. 

You, our donors and sponsors, are heroes. Your donations provide essential financial support for initiatives like research funding that bring us closer to finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. We thank each of these everyday heroes who share our vision of achieving a world free from the devastating effects of arthritis.

How Your Gift Helps

Research

Information & Support

Advocacy

Stories

A Will To Get Back

John Beresford has been a car enthusiast all his life. Last June, he set off on an epic adventure – a 16,000-kilometre rally from China to France. But for John, the journey started a long time ago with the love of his life... John Beresford has been a car enthusiast all his life. Last June, he set off on an epic adventure – a 16,000-kilometre rally from China to France. But for John, the journey started a long time ago with the love of his life, Deirdre.

Stick-handling the pain 

As a retired NHL hockey player, Darcy Rota is no stranger to pain. But he was stunned by the searing pain that creeped into his knees a few years ago and then took over. “If I could go back in time, I’d tell myse... As a retired NHL hockey player, Darcy Rota is no stranger to pain. But he was stunned by the searing pain that creeped into his knees a few years ago and then took over. “If I could go back in time, I’d tell myself not to wait long before seeing a professional. I didn’t know better,” he says. Now, he’s helping the Arthritis Society raise awareness of the disease so he can help other like himself down the road.

Success is not giving up

A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis put a damper on Mélanie Leclerc’s performance-driven life. But the 44-year-old from Carignan, QC decided she would not let the disease control her life, even if at times the pain in her ... A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis put a damper on Mélanie Leclerc’s performance-driven life. But the 44-year-old from Carignan, QC decided she would not let the disease control her life, even if at times the pain in her hands made it impossible to braid her daughters’ hair. With the ongoing support of her family and friends, she took part in many Arthritis Society activities. One thing led to another, and she is now using her voice to inspire others facing similar journeys.

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