Re: New and Improved Arthirits Conference

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks for letting us know about this. I have heard from Donna and How well it went. I do think More need to get involved to make it more Financially abled so more Parent's can take their child to a Conference.. I am not a wealthy person who can grab a plane. Nor can I afford to drive to a Conference without help. But What do I do when I know my Daughter can be enriched by attending. Many parents are like me in which Money is to make sure they get the right thing's in life. We did not expect JA to be part of our life but it is here. So here we are trying to make the best of it by allowing our child to live a normal life as possible.

Many do not have the comfort of taking says off to be with their child. Some worry so much about Keeping their job so the child can have health coverage. Making what they do wage make it to the next pay wage check. You would be amazed at the Attendance if those like myself could go to a Conference worry free. You would see a World record at the Conference. So much is at the Conference for the Families and child.

I am so hoping that one day we will not have to scrap money together to make another Conference. It is amazing. Here I am with a Young Adult who needs this Conference. As she is going from Child to Adult. It has been hard and learning that life is not as sweet as some think it is. When Medical coverage is a worry to so many. Medications is another worry besides keeping the bills paid. Then Pop another Dr visit. I feel for every child and parent who has came down this road prior to and I cause I know the struggle you have faced. Your efforts has made it some easier for us. But and are moving those bricks along with you now. Paving the road for those who are following us now. In different stages and different ages. WE need to get together in a financial issue which should not be over the limit to what we can do.

Making sure every one has the choice to come and not have to worry that oh I wish I could but I can't afford to. I couldn't tell a child that and look in their face. Knowing that a chance of a lifetime is their to make sure that child knows another child with JA. Ok I will hush lolol

RobbinGet a sneak peek of the all-new AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

That is AWESOME!!

I wish i could have afforded to come.. just dont have anything!

Hugs ... miss seeing you and your lovely wife... and everyone

THis place sounds great

and I love Marriot in Arizona.. I remember the YA conference there all those years ago and how wonderful they treated us...

Issadora

On 8/1/07, Fischer <pfischer@...> wrote:

This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson, Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to hang out with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas, treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal. We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at the local coffee shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they were great. I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count

the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an accessible bathroom.Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated, socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this gathering!!! The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those who desperately want to attend can do so. We learned this weekend connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we

have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it can be done at more affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone

is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective.

-- " I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint. " --Frida Kahlo

[Guest guest]

Thank you for sharing this . sounds wonderful. Perhaps my daughter will join you one time. One thing I have wondered about is using universities, wonder if that would be more affordable. They have to be ADA accessible, dorms and apartments are open during the summer and lots of different conferences are there. Glad it turned out well. Keep me updated for the next one. I would appreciate it! Thank you again for sharing, e Fischer <pfischer@...> wrote: This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson, Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to hang out with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas, treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal. We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at

the local coffee shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they were great. I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an accessible bathroom.Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated, socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this gathering!!! The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those who desperately want to attend can do so. We learned this

weekend connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it can be done at more affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us.

[Guest guest]

e, Ithink a weekend like this one we just took part in would be an incredible experience for Jo....Donna

Re: New and Improved Arthirits Conference

Thank you for sharing this . sounds wonderful. Perhaps my daughter will join you one time. One thing I have wondered about is using universities, wonder if that would be more affordable. They have to be ADA accessible, dorms and apartments are open during the summer and lots of different conferences are there. Glad it turned out well. Keep me updated for the next one. I would appreciate it!

Thank you again for sharing,

e

Fischer <pfischerdpaarchitects> wrote:

This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson,

Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to

hang out with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences

we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas,

treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was

their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal.

We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was

wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short

walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a

money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our

sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference

space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest

surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day

conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at the local coffee

shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The

other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they

were great. I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking

for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.

Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count

the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an

accessible bathroom.

Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was

responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis

Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with

Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated,

socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this

gathering!!!

The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those

who desperately want to attend can do so. We learned this weekend

connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we

have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it

can be done at more affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost

that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more

affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who

do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who

will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to

finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone

is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a

conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high

cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

This sounds like a great experience. Let me know when the next one is. This sounds like something affordable that I may be able to tend. Do they discusll all types of arthritis or is it just for RA? I assume I'm "in the age range" if Donna went..I think your just slightly older than me..LOL

Sending prayers & happy thoughts,

Beth :-)

Re: New and Improved Arthirits Conference

Thank you for sharing this . sounds wonderful. Perhaps my daughter will join you one time. One thing I have wondered about is using universities, wonder if that would be more affordable. They have to be ADA accessible, dorms and apartments are open during the summer and lots of different conferences are there. Glad it turned out well. Keep me updated for the next one. I would appreciate it!

Thank you again for sharing,

e Fischer <pfischer@dpaarchite cts.com> wrote:

This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson, Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to hang out with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas, treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal. We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at the

local coffee shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they were great. I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an accessible bathroom.Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated, socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this gathering!!! The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those who desperately want to attend can do so.

We learned this weekend connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it can be done at more affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective.

Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join 's user panel and lay it on us.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

So, Donna and Pete, tell us more. How many were there? Ages? Etc. Topics discussed or just a sit and chat or ? I may do this one instead. When is the next one? Details please. This sounds more like what she needs. e, mom to "joe" 20 poly+

Be a better Globetrotter. Get better travel answers from someone who knows. Answers - Check it out.

[Guest guest]

I would like to echo the email sent regarding the Gathering Tucson. The event was wonderful. Approx. 30 of us gathered for sessions ( humor therapy, dating, relationships, sexuality, self image, body image, etc) as well as alot of table talk at the hotel, nearby restraunts or the museum. I believe hanging out and chatting with others is sometimes just what the doc (should) order. I basically chose this event over the Hershey event because it was affordable for me and Hershey was not. I knew most who attended but I did meet a few new folks. Other than the sessions and hanging out for arthritis chats we had opportunities to talk about life outside of arthritis, which was nice too. Most of us went for a field trip to the Sajuaro (is that right pete?) National Desert. The trip was also included free in our weekend. It was an honor to have Harry Saal join us on the field trip and dinner. Harry is 's father and she was a dear friend to many of us and sadly we lost to this monster we know all to well....The weekend was motivating, inspiring, great fun and o enjoyable. and his lovelywife were tour guides for Tony and I on Sunday and took us on the backroads from Tucson back to Phoenix. Because we had some time before our departure, treated us to dinner at their lovely home. We departed from Phoenix at 1:20 am Monday Morning and arrived in Louisville on Tuesday afternoon after a delay in Atlanta. I cant complain because as many of you know this allowed me to visit with Robbin and .....For adults with arthritis (juvenile or adult onset) I highly recommend joining AI next year. When dates and location are known I will pass them along....

Donna

New and Improved Arthirits Conference

This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson,

Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to

hang out with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences

we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas,

treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was

their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal.

We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was

wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short

walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a

money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our

sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference

space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest

surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day

conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at the local coffee

shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The

other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they

were great. I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking

for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.

Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count

the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an

accessible bathroom.

Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was

responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis

Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with

Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated,

socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this

gathering!!!

The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those

who desperately want to attend can do so. We learned this weekend

connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we

have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it

can be done at more affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost

that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more

affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who

do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who

will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to

finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone

is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a

conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high

cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

[Guest guest]

Sounds like it was TERRIFIC!!! I so wish I had been able to go. I miss you all very much....

Im so glad Harry was there. He is such a wonderful man. I still get 's Sips of Life that he does.

I remember going to the pilot AJAO at that hotel and how much time we spent talking outside of sessions. I learned sooooooo soooooo sooooo very much ... just got alot of answers and felt so supported. Going to the Siguraro dessert was great as well....

I hope to be able to attend in the near future too. I feel sad that I couldn't go!!

That hotel is designed in a way to encourage a lot of groups to hang out in the lobby and elsewhere. I remember the people working there being incredibly nice and extra curtious ... i cant spell that word.... lol...

All I know is that I learned the MOST from attending the YA only version of AJAO that year than any of the other 5? conferences I have attended.

Izzie

On 8/2/07, ajaoky@... <ajaoky@...> wrote:

I would like to echo the email sent regarding the Gathering Tucson. The event was wonderful. Approx. 30 of us gathered for sessions ( humor therapy, dating, relationships, sexuality, self image, body image, etc) as well as alot of table talk at the hotel, nearby restraunts or the museum. I believe hanging out and chatting with others is sometimes just what the doc (should) order. I basically chose this event over the Hershey event because it was affordable for me and Hershey was not. I knew most who attended but I did meet a few new folks. Other than the sessions and hanging out for arthritis chats we had opportunities to talk about life outside of arthritis, which was nice too. Most of us went for a field trip to the Sajuaro (is that right pete?) National Desert. The trip was also included free in our weekend. It was an honor to have Harry Saal join us on the field trip and dinner. Harry is 's father and she was a dear friend to many of us and sadly we lost to this monster we know all to well....The weekend was motivating, inspiring, great fun and o enjoyable. and his lovelywife were tour guides for Tony and I on Sunday and took us on the backroads from Tucson back to Phoenix. Because we had some time before our departure, treated us to dinner at their lovely home. We departed from Phoenix at 1:20 am Monday Morning and arrived in Louisville on Tuesday afternoon after a delay in Atlanta. I cant complain because as many of you know this allowed me to visit with Robbin and .....For adults with arthritis (juvenile or adult onset) I highly recommend joining AI next year. When dates and location are known I will pass them along....

Donna New and Improved Arthirits Conference

This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson, Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to hang out with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences

we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas, treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal. We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at the local coffee shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they were great. I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.

Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an accessible bathroom.Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated, socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this gathering!!! The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those who desperately want to attend can do so. We learned this weekend connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it can be done at more affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone

is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective.

AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at

AOL.com.

-- " I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint. " --Frida Kahlo

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the information Donna. Please do let us know so I can plan. This sounds more like what my daughter needs and much more in my budget. I hope we can come next year. Let us know when you know more. e, ajaoky@... wrote: I would like to echo the email sent regarding the Gathering Tucson. The event was wonderful. Approx. 30 of us gathered for sessions ( humor therapy, dating, relationships, sexuality, self image, body image, etc) as well as alot of table talk at the

hotel, nearby restraunts or the museum. I believe hanging out and chatting with others is sometimes just what the doc (should) order. I basically chose this event over the Hershey event because it was affordable for me and Hershey was not. I knew most who attended but I did meet a few new folks. Other than the sessions and hanging out for arthritis chats we had opportunities to talk about life outside of arthritis, which was nice too. Most of us went for a field trip to the Sajuaro (is that right pete?) National Desert. The trip was also included free in our weekend. It was an honor to have Harry Saal join us on the field trip and dinner. Harry is 's father and she was a dear friend to many of us and sadly we lost to this monster we know all to well....The weekend was motivating, inspiring, great fun and o enjoyable. and his lovelywife were tour guides for Tony and I on Sunday and took us on the backroads from Tucson back to Phoenix. Because we

had some time before our departure, treated us to dinner at their lovely home. We departed from Phoenix at 1:20 am Monday Morning and arrived in Louisville on Tuesday afternoon after a delay in Atlanta. I cant complain because as many of you know this allowed me to visit with Robbin and .....For adults with arthritis (juvenile or adult onset) I highly recommend joining AI next year. When dates and location are known I will pass them along....Donna New and Improved Arthirits Conference This past weekend was the Gathering for young adults in Tucson, Arizona and it was an honor for me to be there. Not only did I get to hang out

with past friends, I met new ones. Just like the conferences we all chatted and had a great time, sharing stories, ideas, treatment plans, etc. The gathering was somewhat smaller, (it was their first year, with approx 30 attendees) making it more personal. We stayed at the Marriott, near the University of Arizona, which was wonderful for an arranged $95.00 a night! We were within short walking distance to many shops and eateries. This was nice and a money saver. There was a registration, but no fee for it. Our sessions were held at a nearby coffeeshop, and a museum conference space across the street, also without any fee . But the biggest surprise of all was the fact that 4 meals were served at the 3 day conference. Breakfast foods and gourmet coffees at the local coffee shop 2 times, as well as fruits bagels, etc on another morning. The other meal was a welcome dinner comprised of gourmet pizzas, and they were great.

I guess it just takes a little effort, some time asking for donations and planning to make a conference this affordable.Accessibility was great. They thought of everything. I can't count the number of times i attended an AJAO event and couldn't find an accessible bathroom.Arthritis Introspective, a new non for profit for young adults was responsible for this event and they did an awesome job!!!!! Arthritis Introspectives goal was to have an affordable event for persons with Arthritis past childhood, but yet not elderly, to be educated, socialize and enjoy themselves. The committee succeeded with this gathering!!! The AF really needs to re-evaluate how they plan conferences so those who desperately want to attend can do so. We learned this weekend connection and communication mean more than the type of lodging we have or if it is in a popular and costly destination. We learned it can be done at more

affordable rates. I know for most it is the cost that prohibits them from attending conferences and if it were more affordable more would attend. I know without scholarships those who do attend could not be there. I have already chatted with many who will not be at the Orange County, JA Conference, next year, due to finances and without more financial help . I'm glad to see someone is looking out for the less fortunate, financially, by creating a conference that meets the goals and spirit of AJAO without the high cost. Kudos should be give to Arthritis Introspective. AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

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