Reason For Establishment Founder's Statement When visiting family in California in August, 1999, I awakened to find such pain in my neck, hips, arms and legs, that I couldn't get out of bed without help. My husband bought "over the counter" pain medication at a nearby pharmacy. I did feel relief and could continue the holiday as long as I "popped" the pills! Upon my return to Arizona, our Phoenix doctor immediately started tests and found that I had Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Prednisone therapy was started. A friend in Oklahoma wasn't so lucky. She went over a year without proper diagnosis then discovered she had been suffering with Polymyalgia Rheumatica for many months. Now, in addition to Polymyalgia Rheumatica, the doctors also pronounced that she had Giant Cell Arteritis! My friend continues to take large doses of steroids (Prednisone). She can no longer drive her car, has constant fatigue and pain, and feels completely out of control. I founded the National Medical Research Foundation to raise money for finding a cure for Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis; to compile and disseminate information; help form support groups; and speak to community groups seeking more information. Why do these diseases overtake so many seemingly healthy adults? The answer is "out there". Join me and we will discover together!
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