Let's ride!

Be part of history and pedal with us in the inaugural Pfizer People's Coast Classic! Click below to go to our online registration tool.



Or, if you prefer the old-fashioned way, download the offline registration form.



Kids get Arthritis too.

The Arthritis Foundation has a 60 year history of helping children, teens, and adults with arthritis.
Find out more...


Why support the Arthritis Foundation?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are over 46.4 million people in the United States diagnosed with arthritis, which is over one-fifth of the general population. Their estimate grows to 67 million, or one-quarter of the general population, by the year 2030. Arthritis is a disease that affects people of all demographics, including 300,000 children affected by chronic auto-immune diseases conditions. The CDC also estimates that roughly one-third of diagnosed cases of arthritis result in some form of limited mobility or disability and costs the US economy $128 billion annually.


The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The Pacific Northwest Chapter covers Washington, Oregon and Alaska. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.


For every dollar raised by the Arthritis Foundation:

  • 49¢ goes towards funding research approved by our Peer Review Process.
  • 9¢ goes towards Public Education programs, such as our Kids and Teens camps.
  • 8¢ goes towards Patient and Community Services, such as Lifestyle Improvement exercise programs.
  • 4¢ goes towards Professional Education programs, updating medical providers on the latest in arthritis treatment.
  • 10¢ cents goes towards Fundraising efforts.
  • 10¢ cents goes towards Administrative costs.

Myth No. 1: Arthritis is an old-person’s disease

While the incidence of arthritis is much higher in older populations, there are millions of juveniles and young adults who live with auto-immune versions of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, etc. CDC estimates show that juvenile arthritis affects one in every 250 children. There are currently no cures for these diseases. Scientists have an insufficient understanding of their causes, genetic or otherwise.


Even in the context of studying older populations, the questions still remain. Why are some people more prone to degenerative forms of arthritis than others? Can joint damage be significantly stopped or reversed?


Myth No. 2: Nothing can be done about arthritis pain

You may think that little can be done to help your arthritis, but this is not true. Some improvement in the pain and loss of function is possible in almost everyone with arthritis. Furthermore, the disease process that may lead to joint destructions can be controlled effectively in most people - particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis. More can be done today to ease the pain of arthritis and to slow joint destruction than ever before.


Many people with serious types of arthritis, which were severely disabling as recently as a generation ago, are now leading full and productive lives, thanks in part to many developments, including new drugs and treatments, exercise programs, surgeries and self-management. As a person with arthritis, your future is full of possibilities that were only a dream 25 years ago.



Jason – Cycling for a Cure

Jason Goodman, a member of our Cycling for a Cure team, was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in February 2007 at only 28 years of age. Having been an avid backpacker, cyclist, scuba diver, rock-climber, and community volunteer, the diagnosis was a major blow to his lifestyle.


Starting in October of 2006, Jason began experiencing the first signs of what was to be later diagnosed as RA. It started with a right elbow being sore, stiff, and gradually becoming immobile. The rest of his body followed shortly thereafter. It took another four months before he was able to see a rheumatologist. During this time, he was often in pain and not able to move. Rock-climbing, cycling and most other recreational activities were no longer an option. The low-point came when a walk to a friend’s house that should have taken no more than seven minutes took an agonizing half-hour.


The frustration of not knowing what was happening to his body was compounded by the inability to do the things Jason loved. This was just the beginning of a very long journey. A diagnosis of RA was finally reached after four months. Four days after starting treatment with corticosteroids, Jason was able to hop back on a bike, having not ridden in almost five months. His cause for celebration was short-lived. Because he had just switched insurance providers, his claim for treatment was declined, causing Jason to be in the hole for a very large medical bill.


Eventually, Jason’s treatment was switched to a biologic response modifier, for which he qualified for patience assistance from the pharmaceutical company, and a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug. Jason felt almost 100% again. With his hand functionality back, Jason was able to find a new job as a bike mechanic and get on a better insurance plan.


What makes Jason’s story inspiring is his motivation to stay active, both physically and as a community volunteer. He started a non-profit in 2005, teaching grade-school children about marine ecology and gave back to his alma-mater by teaching a wilderness survival course. Jason spends his summer as a naturalist at a camp in West Seattle, teaching campers about ecology in the Puget Sound. He also volunteers his time at a local non-profit that teaches children how to fix bikes.


Each weekend, we have the honor of riding alongside Jason during our Cycling for a Cure training rides. He has been an inspiration not only to our staff, but to other participants. His story is one of many, as our Foundation strives to touch the lives of over 2.2 million people living with arthritis in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.