The American Foundation or more commonly, the Foundation, is a non-profit organization that promotes education about and other related conditions through the use of research, programs, services and advocacy. It seeks to provide programs at community levels to help patients from all over the country benefit from its common resources.
Many of the services offered by this organization are made possible by voluntary efforts, although professional support and expertise are provided by paid staff. While it was founded as a not-for-profit organization, the Foundation's research is backed by fund-raising efforts and donations from sponsors. Since 1948, the Foundation has funded over 2,000 physicians, scientists and researchers in the continuing quest to find a cure for arthritis. Its spending on research is now over $244 million.
A Brief History of the Foundation
The foundation began in 1948, when a group of doctors forming the and Rheumatism Foundation decided to organize a nationwide effort to promote awareness and research about arthritis. The foundation focused on creating countrywide chapters and on raising funds to help support its research and education projects.
During its first year, the and Rheumatoid Foundation was able to spearhead research that resulted in some significant discoveries, including the link between rheumatoid and a deficiency in the immune system and the drug cortisone. More research and progress followed, along with the discovery that was actually made up of several types of diseases. During its first few years as an organization, the and Rheumatoid Foundation also published the first Bulletin on the Rheumatic Diseases.
In 1964, after efforts in educating patients and consolidating the efforts of physicians all around the country, the and Rheumatoid Foundation was reorganized and renamed as the Foundation. When the government cut a significant amount of funding in 1969, the organization sought the help of the public who responded by giving donations to help fund projects and research programs.
The Contributions of the Foundation
Aside from education and continuing research on arthritis, the Foundation was pivotal in raising awareness and government support for arthritis, which resulted to the 1974 National Act. This led to the funding of centers and increase in programs, along with the creation of a national commission for arthritis.
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Arthritis Foundation is also responsible for the research that led to developments in joint replacement surgery along with improvements in the techniques used for hand and foot surgery. It is also instrumental in the discovery and introduction of anti-inflammatory drugs. In the 1980s, the American Juvenile Organization was formed, specifically to focus on the special requirements of children with arthritis.
Today, the Foundation continues to provide support to promote information about and funding for the research necessary in order to finally discover an effective treatment for the disease and hopefully, a cure.
How Many Chapters Does the Foundation Have?
Currently the Foundation supports 150 chapters around the country. To get in touch with a local chapter or service point, check out their website at Arthritis.org to search for one that's nearest you.
What Can I Expect from the Foundation?
The Foundation has been at the forefront of research to discover the nature of and its treatments. Its aim is to eventually find the cure for this condition. The organization also provides a means to educate people about and to promote awareness through advocacy and related programs.
The organization's site is also an important part of its thrust for continuing education about arthritis. The site is an excellent source of reliable information about the disease, its symptoms and treatment. Through its site, the American Foundation also hopes to dispel the most common myths surrounding and provide users only with the facts.
