During Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month Teenage Self-Help Guide Is Welcome Advice

July 16, 2009 - PRLog -- Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF) spokesperson and former Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey, Kelly Rouba, is gaining success with her self-help book, Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide.  The book helps the nearly 300,000 fellow juvenile arthritis sufferers in this country.  Published by Scarecrow Press, the book has been in book stores nationwide since March.

   Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age two, Ms. Rouba, who is now 28 years old, has lived with the debilitating condition her entire life.  As a result of the chronic illness, she is wheelchair- bound and has to take weekly injections of medication to help her cope with the disease.    

   In addition to being a useful guide for teens suffering from JA, Ms. Rouba’s book is a tool to help educate family members, friends, and caregivers of those suffering from the disease. A comprehensive resource without being overwhelming, the guide helps those who have JA lead their best life possible.

   Not content just to suffer, Ms. Rouba has taken several steps to help support the research of finding a cure for JA, including becoming a member of the Advisory Board for Arthritis National Research Foundation, a nonprofit established in 1970 that funds the work of the country’s leading researchers seeking improved treatment and the ultimate cure of arthritis. Kelly chose to represent ANRF over other arthritis organizations because of its dedication to research and because 91 cents of every dollar donated to the foundation goes toward that research.

   Researching for the book, Ms. Rouba spent time speaking with healthcare professionals, interviewing teenagers and young adults who have JA, and talking with their families. Among the teens she interviewed are 15-year-old Allyson Shapiro from the reality show The Real Housewives of New York City and several Ms. Wheelchair America titleholders. Treatment options for JA are also discussed in her book, along with tips on how to adapt to life with arthritis, including pointers on exercise, diet and therapy.  A list of applicable Web sites and other helpful resources is included at the end of most chapters.

   To receive a copy of Kelly Rouba's forthcoming book, Juvenile Arthritis: The Ultimate Teen Guide, or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact Jim Goyjer or Jennae Phillippe at (310) 207-3361.

About Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Established as a non-profit organization in 1970, the Arthritis National Research Foundation is committed to funding the next generation of research scientists by providing annual grants to promising young investigators with innovative research projects in the germinal stage. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability from which 46 million American adults suffer. Arthritis comprises more than 100 different diseases, including osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other forms of autoimmune diseases. Since 2000, ANRF has given more than $4.3 million in research grants and in 2008 has increased its awards from $50,000 to $75,000. For more information about the ANRF, its grant process or advancements in arthritis treatments, call 800-588-CURE or visit www.curearthritis.org.
   
About Kelly Rouba
Kelly Rouba is an accomplished journalist and public speaker, starting her journalism career at age 19 when she took a position as a stringer for Trenton Times while still in college. Among her various publications, Ms. Rouba also writes for thisabled.com and mobilewomen.org, and serves as a member of mobilewomen’s Advisory Committee. Ms. Rouba wrote a book about Juvenile Arthritis for Scarecrow Press, which will be published in early 2009. Ms. Rouba works full-time with EAD & Associates, an emergency management firm specializing in special needs populations. She is also a DAE/Special Needs Specialist with the Dept. of Homeland Security/FEMA Region II. She a member of Hamilton Township’s Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and Project Freedom’s Board of Trustees. In 2007, she served on the planning committee for the NJ Governor’s Conference on Employment for People with Disabilities and was chair of the public relations sub-committee--a role she has recently resumed. She also served as emcee and a panelist at the conference. Ms. Rouba held the title of Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey from December 2006-February 2008 and even served as state program coordinator until recently. She has been featured in numerous print and online publications. She was also interviewed on WZBN News, ABC’s television show Perspective New Jersey, and Disaboom Radio; she was also introduced on Live With Regis & Kelly. Presently, she is being filmed by Agency New Jersey for a documentary on juvenile arthritis.

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