RA And You.com | About Us

		About Nicole: With the power of the Internet, finding out who someone is and what they have been doing with their life is not difficult. On that note, let me give you the 411 on who Nicole Falsone is. I am former Ms.United States 2005-2006 and the current Miss Arizona International 2007. At this point you probably are asking yourself why a "pageant queen" is starting a web page for RA. I entered pageants to help raise awareness of Rheumatoid Arthritis in young adults. Having a prestigious title gives me the opportunity to network, publicly speak and create a platform for Rheumatoid Arthritis. If anyone has ever watched someone they love receive the devastating news that they have a disease...you understand how heart breaking that moment is! Now picture this disease to have only one mission: To Attack and Debilitate your Joints and Organs. What could you possibly say to make them feel better? Nothing! The only thing you can do is join the fight to find a cure and help create a lifestyle that with make the transition of, Rheumatoid Arthritis as smooth as possible. That is how this all got started. I am not some CEO of a huge conglomerate corporation, who has the mission is to gain revenue for the hopes of building an empire. For me this is personal. *Her name is Jenelle. I am simply the best friend, of a beautiful person, who received devastating news.* I have created, RAandYOU.com with a simple mission: Create a "one-stop" web site for education, inspiration, networking, fund raising, product purchase and most importantly, a place to BLOG about how you feel as a family member, friend, or RA fighter. To the self-proclaimed, "RA RA's," I cannot thank you enough for the support. This site is for you! Anyone and everyone who has chosen to make Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness a personal mission educate and empower with any opportunity that presents. Help make this site a place to support each other, laugh, and cry. Create BLOGS and make connections. If a medication you were taking made you sick to your stomach...talk about it. If you love a product and what us to create a link for others...let us know. Want share some photos from local Arthritis Events, personal stories or anything you think people should know...drop us a line. Education is key. Create an empowerment in knowing that you are active in taking a stance to make a difference in one solid mission. ~Sincerely Yours, Nicole Falsone

		About Jenelle: Feeling young and vibrant is exactly how someone should feel entering their 20's. Instead Jenelle was confused and scared about being newly diagnosed with RA. Rheumatoid arthritis was not something she expected. After a car accident in 2000, Jenelle began to suffer pain and inflammation in her wrist and fingers. After several doctor visits and blood work the unbelievable diagnosis was delivered. Jenelle, at the prime of her life faced disability and life long pain. With the help of family and friends Jenelle has been able to take control of her life through exercise, diet and positive attitude. She is a member of a Hip Hop dance troupe THROB and continues to be active in her community raising funds and awareness for AIDS and RA. This journey has not been easy and that's why Jenelle is here. Jenelle struggled with the doctor's verdict. She could either ignore the outcome or do something about it. " I decided not to be the victim, I made the decision to be Rheumatoid Arthritis Advocate. I want to reach out to my community and anyone who will listen. RA doesn't care what age you are, race or sex. I have chosen to stay active, to maintain my mobility and make the best of my life. I am Jenelle. You have read a glimpse into my story. *I am In Motion for a Cure."*

		About Kim Burda: Kim was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 24. She had a hard time in the beginning controlling the disease and was forced to have a left total knee replacement done at the age of 28. Today she is 41 and living in Scottsdale, AZ selling real estate. She has become a huge support system for many young adults in the Phoenix area who are just finding out they have Rheumatoid Arthritis. When asked what she tells people who have just been diagnosed, Kim said, "The best thing you can do is "listen to you body". No doctor, family member or friend will ever know what your feeling inside and the mental part can over take the physical. Talk to people your age who have been diagnosed and learn how to cope and adjust your way of thinking. With proper diet, exercise, medicines and a strong relationship with your Rheumatologist, this disease does not have to de a death sentence. Just get to know your own body and try not to listen to the advice you will receive from people that don't have this disease. It's hard enough for the professionals to understand it, let alone a friend or family member.