As Pinter learned more about the REF, she realized that it was a good match. She mentions “innovative research” and “getting more doctors to be rheumatologists” as REF goals that she wants to support.
“The REF is the only one concerned about setting the goals and guidelines to find a cure for rheumatoid arthritis,” says Pinter. “I look to participate with the REF to make the general public aware of what is being done and what they can do to help. I think everybody ought to know about RA and the potential of its being solved.”
In addition, she says that giving back has been an important part of her recovery process. Participating in the program, Pinter says, “gives me a reason to get up and know I can feel good.”
The REF’s disease-targeted research initiatives have accelerated the pace of discovery by funding promising new lines of scientific investigation. This innovative research can provide hope and inspiration to the millions of patients with rheumatic disease who need our support and care.
The continued success of Journey to Cure is dependent on the collaborative efforts of everyone impacted by rheumatic disease—from those who provide care and develop research to those whose lives are affected by chronic illness every day.
I invite you to take the first step and join us on our journey by participating in our From the Field Speakers Bureau or by asking interested individuals to enroll in our Patients and Families for Progress network. Together, we can make huge strides in providing better treatment and care while developing research to find cures.
Dr. Daikh is president of the ACR REF; associate professor of medicine and director of the rheumatology fellowship training program at the University of California, San Francisco; and chief of the arthritis section at the San Francisco VA Medical Center.