Raising awareness..

RyanBibb

Hi, I am new to this forum, my name is Ryan.

From 9 years old I have lived with arthritis and have finally come to terms with the fact I am going to be living with it for the rest of my life. It has been a huge struggle over the years but I have had amazing help from my specialist team and charities. I want to raise awareness of arthritis in young people as I do not think it is high enough and I dont think there is a lot of information for children out there.

I have started a campaign on facebook and am in the process of designing and developing a website too.

The decision to do this is due to the fact I want to giver something back to all of the people that have helped me over the years by trying to raise money for charities.

It may not be anything yet but I am a determined person due to the many horrible knock-backs I have had growing up and I will be heard.

It would be great if you could like the newly created facebook page I have made to get it started..

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arthritis-In-Young-People/155389051208143

Thanks, Ryan.

weejean

Ryan, I have just read your post and I just want to tell you that you are an amazing person. I am an old woman of 38 now but I have suffered with arthritis since I was a small child and you are so right about there being no awareness amongst young people. Most people think its only old people who have arthritis and dont realise how many young people it affects and what an impact it has on your every day life. I will most certainly "like" your Facebook page and wish you the best of luck with your campaign. I wish there were more people like you in this world and I really admire you for taking the time to help others. Good for you

RyanBibb

Thanks for the support Jean! x

Steph88

Hi Ryan,

I've been looking to do this same thing for a while now but never too sure where to get started. My boyfriend and his brother are in IT and I was going to ask for their help on creating a web page next year but looks like yours is coming along really well

What charities do you raise money for? I did some work for the Noddy Appeal but I felt like that died down after a few years and not heard much since.

Steph

RyanBibb

Hi Steph,

Thank you, I hope it becomes some sort of success. I have recently had an email from National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society and I have their backing so theirs a start! They are also looking into raising awareness of arthritis in young people and they are starting a campaign in Spring next year and I am working with them on that too.

I am going to be looking at raising money for CCAA (Childrens Chronic Arthritis Association), they are a great charity who do loads of things for kids including an annual fun weekend, and also for NRAS (National Rheumatoid Arthritis Association).

Steph88

It sounds fantastic, hope it works out well for you!!

I'm an English teacher so if you need anyone to proof read anything for your site I'd be more than willing to help you out.

Steph