Should I do an “arthritis 101” webinar for friends and family members of people with RA?

The other day in one of my Rheum to THRIVE support group meetings, someone shared an amazing idea:

“Cheryl, I wish you could talk to my friends and family about RA so they could really ‘get it!’ You’ve done webinars for us patients—what about one for them?”

I loved this idea! So, I’ve started outlining a webinar just for friends and family of people with arthritis —giving them a chance to learn about RA, ask questions, and better understand how to support us.

I’m tentatively planning it for late April 2025, but first, I need your input!

💬 Would your friends or family attend a webinar like this or watch a recording?

📌 What topics should I be sure to cover?

Here’s what I have outlined so far—I can’t wait to dive into this!

Social support is so crucial for thriving with RA, and helping our loved ones understand how to support us can make a world of difference!

💡 Webinar Outline: RA 101 for Friends & Family: Support, Understanding & Care💡

✨ Introduction & Arthritis 101
🔹 Different types of arthritis
🔹 Symptoms beyond joint pain

✨ Treatments 101
🔹 What treatment options are out there?

✨ Ways to Support Someone with Arthritis
🔹 What actually helps (and what doesn’t!)
🔹 Questions to ask & mistakes to avoid

✨ Getting Support for Yourself
🔹 How friends & family can also find support

✨ Live Q&A
🔹 Your chance to ask anything!

👇 What else should I include? Let me know in the comments!