This is the time of the year when every non-profit in the world tries to squeeze last minute money out of all possible fundraising sources. How do I know, besides the barrage of mail I have received from many of them this month? One particular organization has sent me a letter almost every day of this month so far asking for an end-of-year donation. An organization that we occassionally do support.
I do have one non-profit that really hits close to home for me that we support annually. I am a member of Spondylitis Association of America an organization that funds research for finding a cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis and finding genetic contributors to the disease. Two years ago I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) after suffering with crippling pain in spine and sacroiliac joints (SI joints) off and on for four years.
Now you may be thinking, What is AS and what does it do? Most people have heard of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or know a parent or grandparent that is afflicted with it. Well AS is very similar, it is when the immune system starts attacking the joints of the body. Spondylitis refers to inflammation in the spine and Ankylosing refers to the scarring that takes place in the spine and leaves it fused. I was 21 years old when I first started having pain in my SI joints. AS is genetic and can be passed on to children, so that is why I would like to see a cure very soon, so my kids won't have to go through what I am going through. Medicine to treat the symptoms right now for me is over $5,000 dollars every six to eight weeks.
If you're interested in contributing to the Spondylitis Association of America click this link to donate today. In fact, I believe I'll do the same. If you have a friend or loved one that has been diagnosed with AS, our prayers are with them.
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