The Arthritis Foundation recently presented its Champion Awards to outstanding volunteer leaders from around the country who have made a significant impact on the arthritis community through their volunteerism.
Lawrence “Rick” Phillips of Noblesville is among the 2024 Arthritis Foundation Champion award winners. The awards were presented during the Foundation’s Pathways conference on March 8 in metro Washington, D.C.
Phillips’s experience living with chronic illness began in his teens when he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Today, he lives with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylarthritis in addition to diabetes. He uses his experience to make a difference for people across the country through his volunteerism, advocacy, engagement, and voice.
On a national level, Phillips is active in multiple patient engagement projects, including serving as a committee member on a project done in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation and Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Rick has served on multiple patient panels at Pathways Conferences on the importance of patient engagement, and more.
“Rick is one of the Arthritis Foundation’s most vocal and dedicated volunteers,” said Steve Taylor, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “He uses his voice and experience to further the priorities and core values of the organization in every volunteer role he holds. Because of this passion, others have found their way to solace and comfort in the Foundation.”
Locally, Phillips raises funds for Jingle Bell Run and in 2023 he was responsible for securing a Jingle Bell Run Corporate Chair who raised $42,000 – financial support that had an enormous impact. He has also personally donated and raised funds for both the Jingle Bell Run and Walk to Cure Arthritis. He was also recently appointed to the FDA’s Arthritis Medications Advisory Committee, where he’s using his voice and experiences to push for more, better, cheaper drugs.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As Champions of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation has a mission to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and it also provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in healthcare and join the fight to conquer arthritis – uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to conquer arthritis, visit arthritis.org.