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Real People. Real Lives. Real Arthritis.

More than 6 million Canadians live with arthritis. No two experiences are the same.

For some, it means adapting how they work. For others, it changes how they move, sleep, parent, or pursue the things they love. Arthritis can affect anyone at any age: children, young adults, and older Canadians alike. And for many, it goes far beyond the joints, touching nearly every part of life.

These people have shared their stories to help others feel less alone and to show why research into arthritis matters to them.

Tamara’s Story
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosed at six, Tamara Komuniecki watched her sister do gymnastics from the sidelines. Decades later, she's become one of the most dedicated advocates for the research that's changing how rheumatoid arthritis is treated....
Read Tamara's Story
Steve’s Story
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Most people don't know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with arthritis. Steve Sutherland found out the hard way, in an emergency room at 29. In heart failure....
Read Steve's Story
Nikki’s Story
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosed at 19, Nikki Bhatti spent years hiding her rheumatoid arthritis from everyone around her. Now she's one of the clearest voices explaining why arthritis research changes lives because it changed hers....
Read Nikki's Story
Natasha’s Story
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
I was 13-years-old when I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). I didn’t know what it was. My grandmother had arthritis, but I was young and healthy. How could I have an incurable disease? It didn’t make sense....
Read Natasha's Story
Lisa’s Story
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis on my daughter’s sixth birthday. At the time, I was 37. After years of pain and worsening unexplained symptoms, I felt relieved to finally have answers. But that relief quickly changed to concern. As a physiotherapist, I was confident about treatment options and getting my disease under control. Yet, I underestimated the impact arthritis would have on my life....
Read Lisa's Story
Kelly Barber’s Story
  • Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in his 40’s: Firefighter Kelly Barber tells his story to help people understand that arthritis affects healthy, strong and active people and more research is needed to prevent this debilitating disease....
Read Kelly Barber's Story
Jacob’s Story
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
Jacob was the picture of health. Until he wasn’t. By speaking out, Jacob hopes others like him will get the help they need to overcome the challenges of arthritis and get back to doing the things they love....
Read Jacob's Story
Elise’s story
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Arthritis is often thought of as an old person’s disease, but in fact, arthritis is ageless. We are grateful to Elise and her mom Louise for sharing their story. Please read their story of hope as told by Louise. We think you will agree it puts into focus why arthritis research must be a priority and why we encourage you to make a gift this holiday season to support arthritis research....
Read Elise's Story

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