ATLANTA, GA, October 25, 2005 The Arthritis Foundation, in partnership with Amgen and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, today announced the launch of "Camryn Manheim Speaks Out About Rheumatoid Arthritis," an educational effort to help raise awareness of the progressive nature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and encourage patients to visit a rheumatologist to learn how to manage the disease. "Camryn Speaks Out" is an extension of the RheumMates lifestyle-coaching program introduced in 2004.

Emmy Award-winning actress Camryn Manheim recently was diagnosed with moderate RA, a chronic and painful joint disease that can lead to permanent disability. Now, for the first time, she will speak out about her experience during a live Webcast Friday, October 28, 2005 from 12:30 1:30 pm (EDT). Dr. Steven Abramson, Medical Advisor to the Arthritis Foundation and Chairman of Rheumatology at the NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, will join Camryn for the educational discussion. Anyone who has RA, or knows someone who is suffering from this potentially debilitating disease, is encouraged to register for the free event and public Q&A at www.SpeakOutAboutRA.com or www.RheumMates.com.

"I went to several doctors before visiting a rheumatologist who finally diagnosed the painful swelling and stiffness in my joints as rheumatoid arthritis," says Camryn. "It took close to eight months for me to get properly diagnosed and treated. I lost valuable time, and the joint damage I sustained is irreversible. I'm sharing my story with the hope that it will inspire others to take control of their rheumatoid arthritis by learning more about the disease and working with a rheumatologist to manage it."

Camryn first noticed the pain and stiffness in her fingers while she was practicing sign language, a passion of hers for more than 20 years. Initially, Camryn was told the pain was due to aging, but b
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Contact: Christine Gennaro
cgennaro@porternovelli.com
212-601-8031
Porter Novelli
24-Oct-2005

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