Creating Strong Connections in the ANRF Family – Share Your Story!
At ANRF we are privileged to be able to get to know the patients that will potentially benefit from the research we fund. These patients are an inspiration to the foundation as well as the researchers we support. Many of these patients are themselves advocates and warriors in the fight to find improved treatment regimens and eventually a cure. Their stories contribute significantly to a better understanding of the impact these conditions can have and where research can have its greatest influence.
Through our online publication, The ANRF Chronicle, we have been given the opportunity to share a few of these stories with you. The response we have had has been truly outstanding. Members and supporters have indicated that these stories encourage them as they walk their own journeys as patients or caregivers. By sharing their stories participants are able to give a voice to their experiences. Others are able to take comfort from the idea that they are not alone, that there are those who not only share their difficulties and therefore have a greater level understanding but show a strength and courage in how they overcome these challenges.
Connections and collaborations have always been key in how the ANRF approaches their objectives. This has been consistently done in research and the ways in which that research is distributed. The benefits of these associations cannot be over stated. It is by working together that we make the greatest progress. Learning from this as well as the positive response we have received from the sharing of personal stories sparked the idea for a new project here at ANRF – Arthritis Journeys.
Arthritis Journeys will provide a platform through which our supporters can share their journey with arthritis or autoimmune conditions. We would love to hear from you, tell us your story and let it be shared in a manner that will give it purpose. Your journey is unique but has the potential to encourage others, it gives an opportunity to share what you have learnt. Those who are newly diagnosed will be able to gain not just the facts of their condition but be able to address the emotions and other challenges associated with their condition. Perhaps by sharing your story you will be able to reduce the concerns of other patients; your story could be the key to helping them find new ways to approach their condition.
This project aims to create a library of experience and give patients and those that care for them a mean by which they can connect with each other. If you would be interested in sharing your story please use the link provided and follow the instructions on the easy to use interface. We look forward to hearing from you!