For the first time in known history, a fellow rheumie – AKA Rheumatoid Arthritis patient named Jeffrey Gottfurcht is going to attempt to climb Mt. Everest starting in late March 2011. This is mind-blowing to me. To think… RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) limits me from tackling certain things everyday like typing, unlocking my apartment door, buttoning my coat, etc. while this man with the same disease is going to climb Mt. Everest. Amazing!
Jeffrey is the founder of the Jeffrey Gottfurcht Children’s Arthritis Foundation. His foundation seeks to fulfill the dreams of children afflicted by RA. He was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 28.
If you have had RA for a period of time, you already know this disease will change your life in many ways – both negatively and sometimes even positively. If you were recently diagnosed, believe me when I tell you that it sucks, but something good can and will come out of this seemingly terrible situation. The fact is, all chronic diseases will change your life. Just try not to dwell too much on the bad, and let the disease change you in positive ways too. People like Jeffery should be an inspiration to us all.
Learn more about Jeffrey’s climb at his foundation’s website.
Chronic Mum 
I have this already, and I’d recommend that everybody check this out.
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UPDATE: Jeff made it to the top of Mt. Everest a few weeks ago!!! As the first person with RA to ever climb Everest, Jeff truly is a RA hero!
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