After 15+ years of volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation, I finally made it to my first Pathways Conference—and WOW, what an unforgettable weekend in Chicago! 💙✨
Connecting with my arthritis community (aka my second family), celebrating incredible volunteers, and diving into the Foundation’s 2025-2030 mission & vision —it was all so inspiring.
Here are some of my favorite moments:
🔹 Reuniting with my Washington state volunteers (who I met years ago at JA Family Camp!) & cheering our HEADS off when Dr. Helen Emery won the most prestigious volunteer award! 👏🎉
🔹 Meeting some of my Rheum to THRIVE community members in person for the FIRST time “in real life!”
🔹 Feeling all the emotions as Broadway star Ana Villafañe shared her powerful journey with JIA—plus, giving her a hug and soaking up her amazing energy! 💫
🔹 Hearing from CEO Steven Taylor & leaders about the Foundation’s plan to improve life with arthritis NOW while pushing for better treatments & possible cures in the future.
🔹 Jumping on stage with Dr. Karena Wu to demo arthritis-friendly exercises—you can learn these on the Arthritis Foundation website! 💪
🔹 Exploring Chicago with my husband & son: improv comedy, “The Bean,” a boat tour, jumping for joy at the top of the Willis Tower, & devouring the best Chicago eats!
Pathways is where volunteers, board members & staff gather to “get inspired, be empowered & spread hope.” Want to learn more? 👉 arthritis.org/about-us/pathways
#ArthritisFoundation#WeLiveYes#VolunteerLife#RheumatoidArthritis
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