2012 PrimeTime Symposium Addresses Unique Needs of Young Adults with Rheumatic Diseases

Educational Conference on October 20 in Long Beach, California, Helps Young Adults with Arthritis, the Leading Cause of Disability in the United States

LOS ANGELES, Oct 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring the 3^rd Annual PrimeTime symposium (formerly Arthritis in PrimeTime) on Saturday, October 20 at the Long Beach Renaissance Hotel in Long Beach, California.  This premier educational and motivational event fosters active, productive and fulfilling lives for young adults (ages 17-45 years old) affected by arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma, ankylosing spondylitis and other chronic diseases. 

The event's theme, "Let's Connect", focuses on the many relationships that promote fulfillment and well-being in the lives of those with chronic diseases.  Led by top medical experts and advocates, informational sessions will educate hundreds of participants about a diverse array of lifestyle issues, as well as medical and research updates and treatments for pain management.   

"Thanks to new coping strategies, innovations in research, treatments, and technology, we know that how and with whom we connect makes a big difference in how effectively we deal with these diseases," said PrimeTime chair, Amye Leong, M.B.A.  "PrimeTime is a positive, motivating event designed to help over 11 million young people affected with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases lead active, productive lives."  Ms. Leong, who was wheelchair-bound by rheumatoid arthritis, is today the international spokesperson for the United Nations Bone and Joint Decade.

PrimeTime is made possible through the generosity of the Jane Wyman Trust and is being conducted in partnership with LupusLA, Scleroderma Foundation, Spondylitis Association of America, and Arthritis Introspective. 

The symposium's opening session begins at 9:30 a.m. with an inspirational keynote address by Jeffrey Gottfurcht, the first person with rheumatoid arthritis to climb Mount Everest.   

Individual tickets are $25.00 each and $40.00 for two people.  Scholarships are available. 

For more information or to register for this event, visit www.arthritisinprimetime.org or contact Jennifer Ziegler at the Arthritis Foundation at [email protected] or 1.800.954.CURE (2873).

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of arthritis, which strikes one in every five adults and 300,000 children, and is the nation's leading cause of disability.  To conquer this serious, painful and unacceptable disease, the Foundation supports education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services. 

SOURCE Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region