Adult Honoree: Julie Rhyne

Living with rheumatoid arthritis since she was a child, Julie Rhyne knows all too well the daily struggles with normal activities most people take for granted.  Simple tasks such as walking, dressing and grooming can cause excruciating pain for this vibrant 34-year-old.  But despite the difficulties Julie faces in her day-to-day life, she remains upbeat and positive.  Managing her arthritis with medication, exercise, humor, a positive attitude and a very supportive husband, Julie helps others better understand how to live a fulfilling life even with arthritis. 

One of the Arthritis Foundation's most vocal ambassadors, Julie volunteers for the Public Policy Ambassador Program and participates in the Advocacy Summit held annually in Washington, D.C.  She meets with senators and her representative throughout the year to advocate for the passage of the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act, and was recently recognized as one of only eight super ambassadors for her outstanding work in public policy.  In addition, Julie acts as a true spokesperson for people living with arthritis and has participated in multiple radio, television and newspaper interviews in an effort to raise awareness about the affects of arthritis on people of all ages, including children.

A true inspiration to others living with arthritis, Julie is fully engaged in helping the Arthritis Foundation reach its goals to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis.  Julie works to improve the lives of those living with arthritis by raising money to fund important arthritis research in hopes of one day finding a cure.  She has acted as an Arthritis Walk chair and taken on a leadership role in her local Arthritis Support Education Forum, which helps those fighting arthritis deal with their daily struggles and take control of their arthritis.  Through her hard work, dedication, positive outlook and sense of humor, Julie Rhyne has been an inspiration to not only her Virginia Chapter, but the entire Arthritis Foundation.  

Youth Honoree: Liam McGlone

Diagnosed with spondyloarthropathy/ankylosing spondylitis at the age of four, Liam McGlone hardly remembers what life was like before juvenile arthritis became an everyday part of his existence.  Whether it’s attending school, playing with friends or spending time with his family, eight-year-old Liam is in constant pain and cannot keep up with his friends physically or play like most other children.  And since his immune system is weak, Liam is unable to attend many of the activities associated with childhood. 

Through all his discomfort, however, Liam remains optimistic and courageous.  He is known by many for his radiant smile and has promoted local awareness of arthritis in many ways, including as the face of juvenile arthritis in the Long Island Chapter’s mission enhancing pieces, such as thank you letters, meeting agendas and pledge reminders.  As a local youth honoree for the 2006 Arthritis Walk, Liam helped to further the knowledge that kids get arthritis too.  His mother, Krista, was the keynote speaker at the Long Island Chapter’s 2006 Annual Giving Breakfast, painting the picture of how a young child and family suffers and perseveres in the face of the disease.  And recently, the entire McGlone family appeared on their local chapter’s annual educational television broadcast to discuss the affect of juvenile arthritis on the family. 

For so many people on Long Island, Liam is a shining light.  His strength, compassion and smile have brought new inspiration to Arthritis Foundation staff and volunteers as well as the community as a whole.  While he has been traumatized by the experiences of his illness and knows that he is different from other children, Liam faces each and everyday with overwhelming courage.  He always shows a positive attitude and complete determination to fight his arthritis and to work with the Arthritis Foundation in order to help find a cure.