Who We Are

Guided by ARC’s vision, the people who volunteer for CAB share a willingness to contribute their time and talent to the fight for “a world without arthritis”. CAB members believe in the power of scientific research to understand, treat and often cure disease. This passionate belief coupled with the broad skill set and diversity of the group enables them to provide an incredible range of information, education, and support to ARC. As volunteers, they gain satisfaction from learning new skills, using life experience to help others, and knowing that they are contributing back into the community. CAB positions within the Board are:

• Two co-chairs, nine consumer members, an ARC Board consumer liaison, and an ARC researcher

I see CAB as a group of interested, well-informed "patient advocates" ready and willing to facilitate research in any way they can; a group of volunteers with considerable expertise from other life roles/experiences.  The benefits of CAB as a quick and easy access to a consumer point of view, perspectives of people living with arthritis; genuinely interested collaborators, not afraid to be direct, and able to articulate the parts of a project plan or study results that "make sense" or carry impact for people living with arthritis.

Catherine Backman  PhD, OT(C), FCAOT

Members - What We Do

• Supporting arthritis research within ARC and in Canada
• Taking an active role in the different research projects brought forth by ARC
• Participating in educational training to broaden input into arthritis research
• Training and mentoring fellow CAB members
• Collaborating with other consumer-centred arthritis organizations on consumer and research initiatives
• Participating in at least 70% of all CAB monthly meetings

Co-Chairs – What We Do

• Providing leadership and establishing consensus on all CAB decisions including strategic plan
• Directing recruitment of CAB members
• Creating and monitoring a mentorship system to assist new and current members
• Maintaining a consistent and strong advocacy voice on all matters relating to ARC research activities
• Ensuring effective representation of Canadians living with arthritis
• Facilitating ongoing communication with all CAB partners and stakeholders
• Networking with other arthritis consumer organizations and researchers
• Initiating and sustaining a strong liaison with ARC administration and researchers
• Ensuring CAB functions within the annual budget
• Facilitating the monthly meetings