We don't have "Arthritis".
We have Autoimmune Arthritis diseases.
About Us
"I Am"
Our slogan:
"I Am...
A Leader for Change,
Hopeful,
A Believer in Progress,
And Rebranding Stereotypes.
I Am an Advocate for Autoimmune Arthritis."
The only official silicone Awarness Bracelet that represents the fight
to bring understanding to Autoimmune Arthritis diseases (pictured above)
is packaged with this slogan. Bracelets can be purchased for $1.50 at
our Merchandise Store. 100% of the proceeds are donated to IAAM.
Mission Statement
We are committed to eliminating the adversity caused by autoimmune arthritis by raising global awareness, providing wellness alternatives and uniting resources that will improve the quality of life for those affected by these diseases.
We are the first organization created exclusively to benefit autoimmune arthritis diseases*. All of our creators and leaders are either autoimmune arthritis sufferers or their lives have been affected by autoimmune arthritis in some way. While we recognize there are over 100 arthritis conditions and over 65 autoimmune diseases our aim is to differentiate the Autoimmune Arthritis conditions from the 90+ other diseases that do not fully encompass the similarities shared among this short list.
In doing this, perhaps the world will begin to realize that the word "arthritis" is not the universal term for a generalized, localized, aches and pains. Autoimmune arthritis, in fact, is a small percentage of diseases that can affect every part of the body (systemic) including the organs.
IAAM was created and continues to be run 100% by those affected with Autoimmune Arthritis. We run 95% virtually, allowing every person involved with the organization to communicate via email, Skype, and Facebook. Because most of those involved are patients, this format allows us to work at any time of the day, as little or as much as needed, and possibly even from the comfort of our own bed. In essence, IAAM never shuts down; it is run 24-7, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the world.
Although IAAM has/will hire minimal employees, we rely on our passionate Volunteers to keep the programs and initiatives alive. We value our Volunteers, who are trained by our CEO, and considered equals to every person in the organization. They are listened to and are encouraged to assist with program development and because they must finish the official Training Course, they are prepared to lead the organization online and within Social Media groups. If you are interested in Volunteering with IAAM, please visit our Volunteer Page.
Our Goals
There are currently other nonprofits that focus on all arthritis conditions and all autoimmune diseases. There are nonprofits that focus on issues such as finding a cure and provide information on the diseases; IAAM fully supports and advocates for these organizations. In saying this, IAAM was founded to address the needs of the small sector who lack major awareness and understanding. We felt there should be a place where all resources, from awareness educational materials to wellness to where to find the most productive and helpful social networking sites, should be available in one site. And finally, we aimed to create a platform where volunteers can use our tools to bring their own advocating ideas to life. We are a team and you can be a part of it today!
*Based on our current research, there is no such "official classification" designating diseases as "autoimmune arthritis". It is, however, a term coined by IAAM in an attempt to bring together a group of arthritis diseases that share similar traits, symptoms, treatments, and onset.
Due to the lack of any scientific classification standards, we have developed a punch list of criteria we have used to designate a true "Autoimmune Arthritis". This includes, but is not limited to primary joint involvement in 90%+ of all reported cases, autoimmune, inflammatory, systemic (full body)-involving connective and soft tissues and sometimes organs, fatigue/nausea/fevers, similar treatment plans. As of this point in time, the Rheumatology Board and IAAM has chosen to only include those diseases that are thought to be genetic and or environmentally/trauma induced. Infectious diseases are not included.
We are continuing to research and investigate other diseases that may fall under our classification criteria. If you would like to submit a disease you feel meets all of the current classification criteria listed above, we'd be happy to hear from you at info@IAAMovement.org.
