Featured Panelist for UCB Conference

This morning at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, UCB, a biopharmaceutical research company for immunology disorders had its annual sales conference. A panel of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients was invited to speak and inspire, motivate and connect UCB's international sales team with real people who have unique experiences to share. Each RA patient is different, yet listening to each was very moving...there wasn't a dry eye in the ballroom! I am so grateful to have met such strong and courageous friends during my advocacy journey, together we make a difference!

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Cimzia, for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA)! This is a major milestone in technology to help cure rheumatoid arthritis. Congrats to everyone at UCB, you are all making a difference in the lives of others!

Paying Tribute to Fallen Heroes

(Before the ceremony with my Hero and love of my life, Lt. Matt Boyd!)
(The riderless horse carried a pair of boots of a fallen officer)
(Lt. Matt Boyd on far right saluting fallen officers in Cobb County)

(After the very emotional ceremony with Attorney General Thurbert Baker)

Tonight was the fifth annual Police Memorial Service, about 300 people gathered on the Marietta Square to pay tribute to all of Cobb County's 13 fallen public safety officials. Family members and police placed roses in a wreath to honor the men and women who hailed from county, municipal and university precincts. A white dove was released at the calling of each officer's name. "Amazing Grace" was preformed on bagpipes and a 21-gun salute helped conclude the ceremony. Police motorcycles and cruisers wrapped around the Square and officers turned on their blue lights at the close of the memorial. Officers that died either in the line of duty or accidentally were honored.

"There is no greater responsibility we can give a group then to protect our public safety. Most of us spend a lifetime trying to answer what our purpose is here on God's Earth. I dare say these men and women here today and those that have come and unfortunately those who have gone before us never had a question in mind what their purpose in life was to be. They chose to put on the badge. They chose to put on the uniform and they chose to be public servants. Because of that decision, this county and this state is one of the best places in America," said Georgia

Attorney General Thurbert Baker.

"The memorial service is very important because it honors and remembers the men and women who work for the county, cities and universities who have lost their lives. It is an opportunity for everyone to remember those who dedicated their lives to keeping the community safe, and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Cobb Police Chief G.B. Hatfield.

I am blessed, honored and grateful to be Mrs. Matt Boyd. Being married to my hero is the best gift from God in the entire world. I am so proud of you and thankful that you not only chose me to be your wife, but also put your life on the line everyday for our community. I LOVE YOU!

Arthritis Act Introduced in Senate!

Contact Your Senators Today!
On May 6, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Kit Bond (R-MO), and Ted Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Arthritis Prevention, Control, and Cure Act of 2009 (S. 984). The bill expands efforts to prevent, treat, and care for people with arthritis through:

*Enhancing prevention efforts related to arthritis;
*Expanding and strengthening research programs relating to juvenile arthritis;
*Establishing a juvenile arthritis population database to track our kids and monitor their treatments;
*Enhancing support for physician training programs; and
*Establishing a loan repayment program for pediatric rheumatologists to address the country's severe shortage of these critical health professionals.
We need your help to advocate for passage of the Arthritis Act and to address the needs of 46 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Together we can fight the pain and disability of arthritis and make 2009 the year the U.S. Congress takes final action and passes this important legislation. Please contact your Members of Congress now and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1210/S. 984.

Raising $250,000 for Arthritis!

Today, we helped raise over $250,000 for the Georgia Chapter, Arthritis Foundation! Held today at Atlantic Station, The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Pet's get arthritis too! So pet owners were invited to bring their dogs along for the walk. This year's walk promoted the Let’s Move Together movement, a nationwide effort that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis. Thank you to all of my friends and family who supported the walk and donated!

Georgia Chapter, Arthritis Foundation Young Professionals Board

Stay tuned for more info on our upcoming BONE BASH EVENT!
With four-time heavy weight boxing champion of the world, Evander Holyfield

With Aimee Busquet and Heidi Mcintyre

With a new friend who was so excited to meet Rocky!

With Advocate and Councilman of Georgia Jerry Barnes

At the AF Advocacy booth

Congrats to Rocky, who won "Best Original Costume" in the Arthritis Walk's Dog Costume contest!