Why I'm Taking on the NRAS #TakeOn25 Challenge
For over 22 years, I've lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an invisible autoimmune disease that affects far more than just the joints. There is still no cure and, like many people living with RA, I've experienced the uncertainty, frustration and resilience that come with managing a lifelong condition.
During that time, one organisation has been a constant source of support: the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).
Like many newly diagnosed patients, I had countless questions...
Which medication was right for me?
How did these drugs actually work?
What could I expect in the years ahead?
The NRAS medication booklets helped me to understand the different treatment options available and gave me confidence to have informed conversations with my healthcare team. Their free webinars, helpline, local groups and online resources continue to support hundreds of people every year, ensuring that no one has to face RA alone.
As the years have gone on, my relationship with NRAS has evolved from receiving support to giving something back.
I've had the privilege of representing NRAS at international events such as EULAR, delivering webinars on nutrition, contributing to discussions and resources around menopause and rheumatoid arthritis, writing articles, and speaking directly to the pharmaceutical companies developing RA medications. Sharing the reality of living with RA helps those designing treatments understand that this disease affects far more than swollen joints. It impacts careers, relationships, mental wellbeing, family life and every aspect of day-to-day living.
Through these experiences, I've also had the opportunity to see first-hand the incredible work that happens behind the scenes at NRAS. The team works tirelessly to provide trusted information, advocate for patients, and raise awareness of rheumatoid arthritis. For many of them, this isn't simply a job. It's their passion and purpose. The same is true of the charity's volunteers, many of whom give their time because they know just how life-changing that support can be.
You can probably tell that this is a cause incredibly close to my heart.
This October marks 25 years since Ailsa Bosworth founded NRAS following her own RA diagnosis, determined to ensure that nobody should have to face this disease without support.
To celebrate this milestone, NRAS has launched the #TakeOn25 Challenge, encouraging people to help raise awareness and funds for everyone affected by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
And yes.....I've signed up.
Now, I probably shouldn’t admit this, but …..I don't naturally enjoy social media! So I’ve decided to step out of my comfort zone and to post every day for 25 days on Facebook and Instagram. For 25 consecutive days, I'll be sharing 25 things I've learned from living with RA. Some posts will bust common myths, some will explain the science behind the disease, others will share practical tips, and a few will simply offer an honest insight into what it's really like to live with an invisible illness.
My hope is that, by starting more conversations, we can help more people recognise the condition earlier, understand it better and appreciate the difference organisations like NRAS make.
This will definitely be pushing me well outside my comfort zone. But if stepping outside my comfort zone helps even one person feel less alone, encourages someone to seek help sooner or raises funds that allow NRAS to continue their incredible work, then it will be worth every post.
Please join me on this journey
If you'd like to support me, there are several ways you can help. You can donate to my fundraiser, follow the challenge on Instagram and Facebook, share posts that resonate with you or simply help spread awareness by talking about rheumatoid arthritis with those around you. If you know someone with RA then please let them know.
Every donation, every share and every conversation helps.
Thank you for joining me on this journey and for helping celebrate 25 years of a charity that has made such a difference to so many lives, including mine.
Instagram: @ejadams_nutrition
Facebook: Emma-Jayne Adams Nutrition
NOTE: All money raised will go to NRAS. This is a personal challenge, and I am not being paid or receiving any money personally from it.
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