By Carleen Pauliuk, Western Canada Vice President, Arthritis Society Canada
If you have an invisible illness like arthritis, you may live in a paradox of appearing well on the outside while battling immense turmoil from within. Beyond experiencing agonizing pain and limited mobility, you may also feel isolated.
This year, I joined Arthritis Society Canada as its Vice President of Western Canada, and it pains me to hear dismissive comments directed at people living with arthritis; comments like “it’s just arthritis,” “you’re too young to have arthritis,” or “maybe you need to do more exercise.” The truth is that for people living with arthritis, every set of stairs climbed, every jar opened, every meal cooked can be agonizing. Simple joys – like picking up your child or going for a walk – are taken from you.
For a disease that affects 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men, as many as 25,000 children in Canada, and a total of 1.8 million people in Western Canada, it is shocking how misunderstood arthritis is. Chances are 20 percent of people you know – your colleagues, your employees, your loved ones, your family members, are suffering silently. Arthritis causes pain, restricts mobility and diminishes quality of life. It is the leading source of disability and work limitations and costs the Canadian economy $33 billion annually.
Let’s change the conversation around arthritis
Arthritis Society Canada has its roots in Vancouver, where Mary Pack, a home-schooling teacher, witnessed how her students with arthritis were robbed of a childhood. As we mark our organization’s 75th anniversary this year, we renew our commitment to working towards solving Canada’s most common chronic disease.
As I lead this endeavour in British Columbia and beyond, the South Asian community is top of mind for me. More than 40 percent of South Asians in Canada living with arthritis report moderate to severe pain and find their lives highly stressful. I am deeply committed to working with philanthropic leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs and members of the community to express the urgency for action. From generating awareness to raising critically needed funds for programs, services, and research, I want to explore ways of partnering with you.
If you or someone you love knows the impact and agony of arthritis personally, help us shine a light on the realities of this disease. The time to act is now. To get involved, please contact Puneet Dhillon, Sponsorships and Community Partnerships Manager, Arthritis Society Canada, at pdhillon@arthritis.ca.
As Diwali approaches, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating. Let the essence of this celebration shed light on the unseen struggles that so many face.
