Patient Profiles
People with rheumatic diseases are on a mission to live well and improve the lives of future generations. Read more about how they are making a difference in the search for a cure.
![Rheumatoid arthritis patient Melissa Young.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/Melissa-Young-small.jpg)
SUPPORTING THE SEARCH FOR SOLUTIONS, A CURE
“My kids distract me while I do my injections. They’ll do a funny dance so I don’t have to focus too hard on the needle.” [...]
LEARN MORE
![Rheumatoid arthritis patient Ali Berger and her boyfriend.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/4.-patients--families/Ali-Berger_150x150.jpg)
Diagnosis Sparks New Passion
In November 2012, after months of tests, doctors’ appointments and dead ends, Ali Berger was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the young age of 27. [...]
LEARN MORE
![Rheumatoid arthritis patient Elizabeth Edwards and her family.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/4.-patients--families/Elizabeth-Edwards_150x150.jpg)
Mother Sees Hope for Cure
At just 26 years old, Elizabeth Edwards struggled to walk because of pain in her feet. Then, the pain started spreading. [...]
LEARN MORE
![Rheumatology Research Foundation donor and rheumatoid arthritis patient Liz Ellrodt.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/4.-patients--families/Liz-Ellrodt_150x150.jpg)
Couple Makes Extraordinary Commitment
For more than a decade, Liz Ellrodt has fought the pain, stiffness and exhaustion that come with rheumatoid arthritis. [...]
LEARN MORE
![Rheumatoid arthritis clinical research participant Shriley Enis.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/4.-patients--families/Shirley-Enis_150x150.jpg)
Grateful Patient Becomes Champion
“We always have a big family Thanksgiving and I look forward to fixing a huge meal for everyone,” shares Mrs. Shirley Enis of Jacksboro, Texas. [...]
LEARN MORE
![sJIA, or systemic juvenile arthritis patient Courtney Russell with her family.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/4.-patients--families/The-Russells_150x150.jpg)
Daughter’s Recovery Inspires Pledge
Steve Russell’s voice breaks with emotion as he talks about a remarkable moment in his daughter’s life. [...]
LEARN MORE
![sJIA, or systemic juvenile arthritis patient Courtney Russell with her family.](https://www.rheumresearch.org/image/1.-the-foundation/pathways/Howard-Joseph-Ruth-Bradley---square.jpg)
Continuing a Legacy
"Ruth always told me that she wanted to turn her suffering into something good for someone else,’”says Howard Joseph, widower to the late Ruth Bradley. [...]
LEARN MORE