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Our Mission

 

 

What if autoimmune arthritis conditions were universally understood, so you never again would hear, “well you’re too young to have that” or “why don’t you take some aspirin to make the pain go away” or “but you don’t look sick”?  Wouldn’t it be nice if people understood that “I’m too tired to go” meant you were experiencing obnoxious, debilitating fatigue that is not necessarily remedied from rest or a good night sleep? What if there were in-depth, age-appropriate exercise programs in place that catered to different levels of disability and fitness preferences?  How much better could your health be if there were partnerships with retailers who would offer discounts on healthy foods or fitness facilities that would minimize monthly payments for autoimmune arthritis patients?  What if there were a global database of sufferers, family members and caregivers who had the ability to form friendships in order to deal with the daily struggles of disability? Hopefully beginning in 2010 these wishes will start to become a reality.

 

The “Buckle Me Up!” International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement (IAAM) is an up-and-coming, worldwide nonprofit which will focus exclusively on helping the autoimmune arthritis sufferer*.  We are committed to eliminating autoimmune arthritis, and diminishing the disability associated with it, by raising global awareness and improving the quality of life through education, partnerships and support.  We will be a nonprofit formed by autoimmune arthritis sufferers, run by autoimmune arthritis sufferers and, therefore, will continue to address the problems faced by autoimmune arthritis sufferers.

 

We are not in competition with any existing charity.  Matter-in-fact, part of the mission is to partner with current organizations to assist with existing autoimmune arthritis awareness efforts.  For example, we are working with the Arthritis Foundation's “Let’s Talk RA” 2010 program, to assist with strategic planning.  In addition to partnerships, a primary focus is to make a lot of noise, verbally and visually, by re-branding the misconceptions of the term “arthritis”.  Examples include the published web-commercial series, “A Day with RA”, showing the realities of living with an autoimmune arthritis disease, developing the first official autoimmune arthritis charity bracelets, and being featured on MyRACentral.com and WebMDtv’s “RA in the News” (Summer 2009).   We hope to continue this level of exposure in all autoimmune arthritis arenas, including creating web-series awareness commercials for each autoimmune arthritis condition.

If all the autoimmune arthritis sufferers around the world come together, we can make this a reality.  But first, we must raise money to finance the legal fees and start up costs to become an official nonprofit. So, today, many autoimmune arthritis blogs are joining forces to reach out to our community of sufferers for help, as our autoimmune arthritis sufferers around the world.  Just like you may see while checking out at grocery stores and other retail establishments, the IAAM is asking for $1 donations to assist with these start up costs.  Every dollar earned will bring us all one step closer to being understood.

 

To view a complete list of start up costs and to send your $1 donation, please visit www.BuckleMeUpMovement.com/donate.

 

 

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Ghandi

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"What is Autoimmune Arthritis?" (Or should the question be, "What is Autoimmune Arthritis 'not'?")

Autoimmune Arthritis is not "common arthritis". Matter-in-fact, some types of Autoimmune Arthritis conditions do not have the word "arthritis" in their names at all.  It is not caused by general wear and tear, age or injury. It is not the same general condition often associated with the elderly, or that 80% of all people will experience at some point in their lives.  It is not curable, although can go into remission.  It cannot be pacified with over-the-counter medications.

 

It is progressive, serious, and in some variations of these illnesses, can cause complete disability in 50% of patients within 10 years from diagnosis.  Because the average age of onset is 20-40's (not including the juvenile versions), young disability has become a major issue that requires immediate attention.   

Autoimmune Arthritis is caused by a faulty immune system, and, unlike common arthritis, any damage sustained is irreversible. The diseases may vary in degree from person to person, but are considered the most severe of all arthritis conditions.  

 

*There are over 100 separate strands of arthritis and autoimmune diseases.  Considered some of the most serious in each category, few diseases are categorized as Autoimmune Arthritis. Examples of Autoimmune Arthritis:

 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Juvenile Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Reactive Arthritis
• Spondylitis
• Scleroderma
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

 

Common symptoms of conditions include inflammation, pain (ranging from mild to severe), debilitating fatigue, major stiffness and flu-like symptoms. 

 

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Why is there a need for this nonprofit?

Autoimmune Arthritis sufferers require special care, education and support that varies from patients with other strands of arthritis and similar conditions. However, currently much of the information broadcasted about "arthritis" focuses exclusively on general wear and tear, age or injury-related arthritis, which, unlike autoimmune arthritis, is curable and often able to be treated with over-the-counter medications.  This excessive branding that concentrates on less serious arthritis strands is understandable given it will affect 80% of all people in their lifetime and often can be pacified with over-the-counter remedies.  But, in the mass marketing attempts to reach general arthritis sufferers,  it has created a gross misunderstanding and a lack of awareness regarding other serious, and mostly young versions of arthritis.

 

 

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What are our goals:

• Bring international awareness to the realities and differences between autoimmune arthritis and other arthritis and autoimmune diseases.  We have been working to re-brand the term 'arthritis' to include an understanding of Autoimmune Arthritis diseases. One way we are raising visual awareness is through our charity bracelets (found at our Merchandise Store).  Currently, 20%-30% of proceeds from bracelet sales are donated to the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement (see Merchandise Store for details). In addition to this visual awareness, we have created 3 short web-commercials focusing on the realities of one autoimmune arthritis condition, Rheumatoid Arthritis. We plan to continue with realistic marketing and advertising until the misconception of these diseases is resolved.  (1st of 3 commercials below).
  
  
• Provide assistance with wellness programs based on age groups, preferred regimens and levels of disability.  We are in the process of developing a program that will embrace all levels of fitness, nutrition and a variety of treatments, at all ages and at all stages of disease progression.  It will focus on creating alternative possibilities for newly diagnosed and existing patients who are young and choose to continue with an active and age-appropriate routine.  We are formulating an Autoimmune Arthritis Certificate for personal trainers and work out facilities so they can better understand the stipulations of working with an autoimmune patient, as it relates not only to physical limitations but also creates a better understanding of the fatigue, flu-like symptoms and general unpredictability of the disease.  This program will include nutrition and food preparation ideas and philosophies as well as feature professionals in these arena.  We aim to have this portion of our website up and running by the end of 2010.
  
  
• Team with existing nonprofits and other agencies globally, who advocate for autoimmune arthritis, to promote awareness and assist with fundraising efforts.  We aim to develop equivalent partnerships with other similar nonprofits on a global level.  The Autoimmune Arthritis Movement has been asked to work closely with the Arthritis Foundation's "Let's Talk RA" program for 2010, becoming an intricate part of the future development.
  
  
• Create a social network of like-minded individuals, where ideas and experiences can be shared.  Our Social Network is just that…social.  We are working to create a database which can eventually connect you with others both locally, nationally and even internationally.  These are not support groups we are developing; rather, a network of friendship.  We do promote “get togethers” that arise from our network, but do not want to infringe on your existing therapeutic groups.  Rather, we encourage friendship and celebrating life with others who understand, whether that be through outings at a restaurant, movie night or a hayride.  You can form your own IAAM social group or ask your existing support groups to join the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement, then incorporate some of our social functions into your regimen.  Another way we are socializing is through our "Friends and Mentors" program where volunteers have signed from all over the world to be your friend or simply to offer some advice regarding their experiences.  They are both sufferers as well as parents and caregivers who are willing to talk with anyone who needs a friend.

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How can I help?

Donation. Becoming a nonprofit involves a considerable amount of cost, ranging from filing fees to establishing a mailing address.  While we've currently raised approximately $350, we are still far away from our need of $2,200.  Because monetary gifts cannot be tax deductible, we are asking for small generous donations in the amount of $1 or $5.  If everyone who believes in this organization contributes, we should be able to finance these efforts in 2010.

Please visit our Donate Page to send your gift.  And thank you in advance for your support!

 

You may also show support by purchasing one of 5 Official Autoimmune Arthritis Awareness Charity Bracelets by visiting our Merchandise Store.  Currently, 20%-30% of proceeds from bracelet sales are donated to the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement (see Merchandise Store for details).

Leadership.  Currently we are recruiting people from all over the world who suffer from, or advocate for someone suffering from, one or more of the autoimmune arthritis conditions.  Leaders most in demand are those willing to donate 1-2 hours a week volunteering to help with various tasks, such as fundraising, spreading the message by sharing information with local doctors offices and any general assistance in day to day tasks.  We also have volunteers ready to meet and greet others in their area as well as Friends and Mentors, who simply agree to be a friend.  To inquire about Leadership Roles, fill out our Contact Form on the Contact Us page.

 

Join Us.  Have an existing group that focuses on autoimmune arthritis conditions?  Become a member of the IAAM, it's free!  Then join us in events and raising awareness for our conditions.  To join simply fill out the Contact Form located under the Contact Us link

The "Buckle Me Up!" International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement 2010