Frank Howard
Osteoarthritis
Warrior Honoree
Frank’s arthritis journey began when the joins in his hands became affected at an early age. Despite his diagnosis, he was active in many sports including basketball, shot put, discus, football, and rugby, all of which further took a toll on his fingers and hands, and eventually his neck, shoulder, and arm.
Frank’s battle with arthritis has presented many challenges but has also fueled his passion to make a difference for others living with arthritis. Many of Frank’s colleagues and friends, tongue and cheek, refer to him as the “Most Interesting Man in the World” as his career has taken many paths including military service, commercial fisherman in Alaska, and nightclub lounge act as well as becoming a professional chef, Wall Street trader, democracy training in many countries including Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Outer Mongolia and China. The stories of his many adventures are both fascinating and inspiring.
Frank has spent much of his career working in public policy and government relations. His years in public affairs have led him to be involved in key legislative efforts focused on banking reforms, expansion of patient access to healthcare, prescription coverage for seniors, among others.
Read more of Frank's story by clicking here.
You can also join or support Frank's team, Team CPA! |
Helen Samson Mullen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the end of 2018. She’s a mother of two, wife, sister, daughter and friend who has had a lifelong keen interest in health and well-being.
As a previous dancer and very active individual, the onset of Abby's rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis was very impactful for her. With pain occurring pretty suddenly, she was not able to keep up with dancing and had to take time off of work and school. After several doctor appointments, Abby was able to get treatment to help the pain. Five years later, she is in college and on the cross country team. She learned to persevere through all the challenges she has been through. Abby says, "I wouldn't be here today without my family's amazing support, and I am so grateful for them."
The last few years have been a crazy journey for the Ansalvish family. It all started when Julia was just 18 months old with a simple rash that wouldn't clear up, to walking with a limp, and then Julia refusing to walk at all.