I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 36, unbelievably 23 years ago. I thought my life had ended, but fortunately, I had a fabulous family doctor who got me in to see a great rheumatologist fairly quickly.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve been through all the conventional ‘front line’ medications, several anti-inflammatories and a few biologics. It’s been a bumpy road – my disease appears to be quite stubborn, but not as stubborn as I am! I’ve had a good outcome so far, and my RA has opened up a new and fascinating world for me in the arthritis community.
I feel compelled to give back, and want to ensure a smoother journey for the next person diagnosed. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to be part of OBRI about 8 or 9 years ago, when Dr. Claire Bombardier called.
Through work with the Arthritis Society, the Canadian Arthritis Network and Patient Partners in Arthritis, I have met and made friends with fabulous, committed, and empowered people who live with arthritis every day. I also work with the Ontario Rheumatology Association ‘Models of Care’ committee, and the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) worker productivity special interest group. In my real life, I own and operate a small fence contracting company in Toronto.
Twenty-three years later, thanks to the discoveries being made in arthritis research every day, I’m still going strong!!
We’d like to congratulate Cathie Hofstetter on her 2014 Qualman-Davies Arthritis Consumer Community Leadership Award! Ms. Hofstetter has over 17 years of experience advocating for patients through the promotion of more effective policies and treatments for arthritis; the communication of patient needs; and the facilitation of patient involvement in arthritis research and decision-making. Her commitment to action for improved quality of care in arthritis is truly inspirational.