What is a Connect Group?
What are Live Yes! Connect Groups?
Live Yes! Connect Groups provide supportive social connections and are inclusive to parents/guardians of children or adults living with all types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. These virtual or in person groups bring people together for fun social and informative educational events and activities focused on mutual support and positive coping strategies for living well. They offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group members become self-advocates, develop self-management skills and learn not only how to survive life with arthritis but to also thrive.
People living with certain types of inflammatory arthritis and other conditions may be more vulnerable to infections and viruses, like COVID-19. As such, the Arthritis Foundation encourages all attendees of in-person Connect Groups to continue wearing masks and staying up-to-date on vaccines and boosters. Additionally, unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to get a negative COVID test within 48 hours before attending the event. If you are not feeling well or experiencing symptoms of an infectious condition (fever, cough, runny nose, nausea, indigestion, congestion, etc.) please stay home.
Connect Groups by Topic
Live Yes! Connect Groups are for people interested in a specific topic or type of group. Meetings are held virtually, so participants may join from anywhere in the country.
African Americans Connect Group
This group is for African American arthritis patients and their caregivers. It’s an opportunity to meet others who understand the unique obstacles arthritis can bring, like accessing equitable care.
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Ankylosing Spondylitis Connect Group
This online group serves the members of our arthritis community who are living with Ankylosing Spondylitis and related conditions from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and connection to join us and meet others who understand.
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Family Planning and Parenting Connect Group
This group is for prospective and expecting parents who have a form of arthritis, whether you’re considering getting pregnant, already pregnant or just looking for support in your parenthood journey.
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Gout Connect Group
This online group serves the members of our arthritis community who are living with Gout and related conditions from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and connection to join us and meet others who understand.
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Hispanic Connect Group
This online group serves the members of our arthritis community who are Hispanic from across the country. We invite those who are looking for support, education, robust programming, expert speakers, and connection to join us and meet others who understand.
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LGBTQIA+ Connect Group
This group is for LGBTQIA members of the arthritis community and their loved ones. Our rainbow table offers support, education, expert speakers, camaraderie and more assistance.
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Military & Veterans Connect Group
This group is for both retired military veterans and current active-duty personnel who battle a form of arthritis, which affects one in three service members. Caregivers are also welcome.
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Newly Diagnosed Connect Group
This group is for patients who have been newly or recently diagnosed with one or more forms of arthritis and are still adjusting. Caregivers are welcome, too.
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Osteoarthritis Connect Group
Meet other people living with osteoarthritis in this Connect Group to share support, education and connection to help you live better with this disease. Caregivers and loved ones are welcome.
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Parents of Children with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with Ehlers Danlos syndromes, led by a parent of two daughters with EDS hypermobility type. Connect with other EDS parents here.
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Parents of Elementary School Students with JA Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with juvenile arthritis who are in elementary school or younger. Learn skills to improve daily living and ways to advocate for your child.
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Parents of High School Students with JA Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with juvenile arthritis who are in high school. Learn skills to improve daily living and ways to advocate for your high schooler.
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Parents of Middle School Students with JA Connect Group
This group is for parents of children with juvenile arthritis who are in middle school. Learn skills to improve daily living and ways to advocate for your tween or teen.
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Psoriatic Arthritis Connect Group
Join the Psoriatic Arthritis Connect Group to meet others with similar challenges. Sharing support, education and connection helps members live better with this disease. Caregivers and loved ones are welcome.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group
Join others living with rheumatoid arthritis in this Connect Group to share support, education and connection to help you live better with this disease. Caregivers and loved ones are welcome.
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Young Adults Connect Group
This group is for young adults, 18 to 25, who grew up with juvenile arthritis, and you’re now dealing with college or starting your own career while transitioning to adulthood.
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Thank You to Our Sponsor
Special thanks to AbbVie and Horizon Therapeutics for helping people with different kinds of arthritis connect with others for mutual support. These virtual and in-person Connect Groups offer opportunities for social and educational events and activities, as well as positive coping strategies for living well.
