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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.

Due to COVID-19 the Arthritis Foundation requests all attendees of in person Connect Groups to wear a mask. Unvaccinated attendees are encouraged to get a negative COVID test within 48 hours, before attending the event.

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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.

14 total
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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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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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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Event Type
Want to facilitate a Connect Group?
Want to facilitate a Connect Group?
Our peer-led, volunteer-run groups bring people together for fun and informative events and activities. A Connect Group offers a place of understanding and encouragement for all ages.
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Partners

Thank You to Our Sponsor

Special thanks to AbbVie for helping people with 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.

Thank You to Our Sponsor
I Want to Contribute
I Need Help

  • Donate

    Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life.

  • Volunteer

    Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available.

  • Live Yes! INSIGHTS

    Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis.

  • Partner

    Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission.

Donate

Ways to Give

Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

Make a Donation

Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now!

Become a Member

Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

Make a Honor or Memorial Gift

Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

Gift Planning

I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles.
 

Other Ways to Give

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

Become a Volunteer

More About Volunteering

Live Yes! INSIGHTS

Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Partner

Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

More About Partnerships