Karen & Arthritis » inspire

Hope is Incurable – Arthritis Support Group

Karen — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:33:15 +0000

Hi Everyone,
I look forward to sharing an evening with you at Cibo restaurant.

Where? 767 2nd Ave between East 42nd and East 41 St in Manhattan.

When? August 24, 2011 at 6.45 p.m.

We’ll share some stories and offer support.
I hope to see you there,
Karen

NOTES TO SELF

Karen — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 19:53:35 +0000

A few nights ago I was on Lincoln Rd in South Beach FL taking in the sites and enjoying the vacation feeling. I watched a family as they walked by me. Mom was carrying an overtired babe in her arms, the other child was in the stroller and dad was hanging onto a half eaten pizza in a ‘doggy bag.’ Despite their own struggle and need to get home quickly before one the kids had a meltdown, mom noticed a homeless man as he passed them on the street. A quick converstation followed between husband and wife. A moment later, dad ran after the homeless guy to give him the pizza. It was a half a block before he caught him, as mom hung back and held the fort down. Observing this human spirit as I sat quietly alone with my dog by my side made me cry. Always have hope!

Arthritis Advocacy Summit Washington DC 2011

Karen — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 03:42:12 +0000

Thanks to Dr. John Klippel, President & CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, and Kathy Lubbers, my new friend and advocate, I was invited to speak to the national AF Board in DC. To be the voice of the millions of people who suffer from arthritis around the world was truly an honor. I spoke about the feeling of isolation and hopelessness that those suffering from chronic illness so often feel. People with arthritis are desperate to feel understood. I was deeply moved by the reaction of the Board members to my words. They gave me a standing ovation and spoke to me intently afterwards about how they could help people with arthritis to make the connections that they need to with each other. What was so heartwarming and momentous about this occasion for me was that the AF Board members truly listened to my message. They want to help and they want to make a difference in our lives. Most Board members had traveled for miles to be in Washington DC. They had left their families alone just to advocate for us! I was so proud last night.

Dr. Klippel tweeted: “Inspired by Karen Ager’s comments to the Board which touched my heart. If you care about arthritis, please read her book Enemy Within.”
My sincere gratitude to the AF for all that they do to help people with arthritis globally.