Your help may lead to the next breakthrough

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Arthritis National Foundation’s new website and to help you learn more about the critical research we are committed to funding.

Over 46 million Americans – that is one in five -- suffer from some form of arthritis. If you don’t have arthritis, you know someone who does. The only hope for better treatments and a cure is medical research. Major sources of research dollars, like the National Institutes of Health, support mostly well-established researchers.

Our focus is different.  The Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) wants to provide the breeding ground for young genius.  We watch for the innovative theories of young researchers – the ones who haven’t yet had the opportunity to explore their ideas. Cutting-edge research conducted by brilliant young scientists with an idea “outside the box” – this is the research funded by the Arthritis National Research Foundation.

This year, ANRF has funded 12 researchers across the U.S., with a maximum grant award of $75,000. They are conducting research on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and related autoimmune diseases at non-profit universities and research institutions nationwide. They are studying the mechanisms of these diseases, as well as ways to translate the science into new treatments. Their work may provide the next scientific breakthrough that will help those in pain every day.

The ANRF Scientific Advisory Board welcomed a new member last year: world-renowned physician-scientist Mary K. Crow, M.D., director of Rheumatology Research at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. Crow is a past president of the American College of Rheumatology (2005-2006) and ANRF is delighted she has committed her expertise to this distinguished Scientific Advisory Board.

Individual donors remain our most ardent supporters. The Sontag Foundation (a private family foundation) has partnered with ANRF for nine years to completely underwrite a grant, “The Sontag Foundation Fellow.” This family has significantly impacted the field of rheumatoid arthritis research with their commitment.

Once again this year, Mrs. Ethelmae Haldan made a substantial gift to fund the second year of “The Ethelmae Haldan Grant for Innovative Science in Osteoarthritis.” Her gifts to study this, the most prevalent form of arthritis, are critical.

The continued support of over 700 committed individuals each year who give through the Combined Federal Campaign, state campaigns or corporate giving programs is integral to moving this science closer to new treatments and a cure.

Each gift we receive brings us one step closer to our goal of eradicating these diseases. We honor your trust and pledge to wisely invest your gift in the best scientific hope for the future.

James Rose, Pharm.D.
President