2009 Annual Report - Arthritis Foundation

Sing a Foundation Of Hope
Our mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis is more urgent today than ever
before. Today arthritis is the nation’s most common cause of disability, aecting 46
million people with more than 4 million of them in Texas and nearly 1 million in
Oklahoma. By 2030, that number will increase to an estimated 67 million
Americans. Not only will they face the challenges of living with arthritis, but they
also may be at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease and other conditions linked
to decreased physical activity.
e Arthritis Foundation South Central Region and our hundreds of volunteers,
donors, partners and sta throughout Texas and Oklahoma, work tirelessly each
and every day to build a foundation of hope for everyone living with arthritis. We
are steadfast in our commitment to creating a world that is free from arthritis pain.
ese challenging economic times have not deterred us. We continue to make
signicant investments in research, education, communication outreach and
advocacy to help improve the quality of life for all people with arthritis. In this
report, you will discover how we are raising awareness about arthritis, and nd out
more about the research we support and the evidence-based exercise and other
programs we are bringing to people across the country. Most important, you will
read the inspirational stories of people on the frontlines of the battle against
arthritis.
In 2008, the Arthritis Foundation celebrated its 60th anniversary. It is our fervent
hope that 60 years from now, the foundation we are setting today will give us much
more to celebrate: a world free from arthritis pain.
Sincerely,
Karen Stern
President & CEO
Arthritis Foundation
South Central Region
Martha Wong, Ed.D.
Chairman of the Board
Arthritis Foundation
South Central Region Board of Directors
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