Springfield College Supports Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis

Camille Butterfield Elliott, Springfield College Academic Success Center associate director of student services, will serve as the adult honoree at the 2021 Walk to Cure Arthritis on Sunday, Sept. 19 at Stanley Park in Westfield starting at 10 a.m. Elliott was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) in her right knee at the age of 44.

“I have complete respect and admiration for the many women who have had their lives upended by coping with this dreadful disease,” said Elliott. “I know women make up 60-percent of all patients with arthritis-related conditions. I am also conscious of the fact that reported cases of hip and knee OA are greater among women of color.” 

Elliott’s Our Walk to Cure Arthritis team is called the “Matrilineal Warriors” in honor of her maternal ancestors who courageously battled OA in their knees and hips during a time in which they could not control their pain or remain mobile. Her team is committed to helping millions of adults and children with arthritis live full and happy lives.

“Regardless of a woman’s racial or socioeconomic background, the physical and emotional stress related to arthritis compromise women’s quality of life,” added Elliott. “It’s important for me to use my new status as an Arthritis Foundation ambassador to bring awareness to women on how physical fitness plays a role in keeping us strong as we combat this disease. The theme for my campaign is ‘movement keeps us functional.’ I will use my platform to make positive change in my own Black and Brown community, particularly for women with arthritis.”

Activism is nothing new to Elliott as she remains active in many social justice initiatives. As a Springfield College employee and alumna, she lives out the College Humanics philosophy by serving the community. She will collaborate with the Arthritis Foundation to help improve the lives of residents in the city of Springfield living with arthritis.

More than 300 families, friends and businesses are supporting the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to cure arthritis and help people with arthritis live a full life. The Walk to Cure Arthritis brings together communities nationwide to fight arthritis.

“We can all make a difference in lives of people with arthritis, the number one cause of disability,” said Erica D’Agostino, Arthritis Foundation senior executive director for New England. “For more than 70 years, the Arthritis Foundation has taken the steps to conquer this disease and Walk to Cure Arthritis is the largest arthritis event in the world. Together we celebrate arthritis warriors and raise funds for research, resources and a cure.” 

A Commitment to Family

Elliott is a fourth-generation arthritis patient. Her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all suffered from the disease—passed down through the matrilineal lineage. She was very close to her grandmother and she reflected on the impact arthritis has had on her family.

“I idolized my grandmother, Ollie Mae was such an influential figure in my life, and she was one of the first Black nurses in her community,” said Elliott. “She was dedicated to increasing the quality of life for her Black and Brown community by addressing health disparities. She led health education initiatives and advocated for those that suffered from chronic diseases, including arthritis. Grandma sustained her activism efforts while managing a debilitating arthritic condition.”     

Arthritis is a significant health concern in communities of color. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in five patients living with arthritis-related conditions have identified as a person of color. Research further suggests that chronic pain and immobility from arthritis disproportionately affect communities of color.

“Many are unable to perform work duties or participate in daily activities,” added Elliott. “I witnessed the pain my grandmother endured over the years with her knee OA. Because of her immobility and the functional limitations caused by the disease, she was forced to retire at 57 from a profession she loved so much. Grandma firmly believed that genetics played a critical role in determining who was likely to develop OA. She frequently offered advice on arthritis prevention or insight on delaying the onset of the disease.”

Similar to others with arthritis, it was difficult for Elliott to process her diagnosis. She had to understand and work through the feelings of shock, denial, and anger. She initially felt sorry for herself and had difficulty comprehending – why - this happened to her. She was fit, active, and maintained a healthy weight to help decrease the risk factors.

After seeing a good therapist, Elliott reconciled with her condition and began physical therapy and treatment to manage the arthritis. She vowed to gain more awareness to living a healthier life with arthritis.

One of the first actions Elliott undertook was creating a wellness plan and joining the Arthritis Foundation. She subscribed to the magazine and learned about the best exercises for her condition and fitness level. She learned how to modify some of the exercise movements through the Foundation Exercise Solution interactive tool. Elliott even joined a Foundation-endorsed support group to help her deal with the emotional and social anxiety associated with having arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation gave Elliott a place where she felt safe to discuss her fears without judgment.

Elliott does not let arthritis slow her down. Thanks to a team of doctors, a physical therapist, a mental health counselor, a dedicated Best Fitness Studio (Springfield) team, a strong support circle, and the inspiring people she met through the Arthritis Foundation, Elliott continues to participate in her favorite physical activities. Three times a week, she walks four miles, and also participates in studio cycling one day a week. In addition, Elliott does Zumba once a week, and hikes every Sunday.

Individuals can register for the western Massachusetts Walk to Cure Arthritis and learn more about the event by visiting www.walktocurearthritis.org/westernma or contacting Erica D’Agostino at (857) 327-5688.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation helps you live your best life by creating a powerful network of support through shared experiences, empowering information, and meaningful connections. Whether it is online or in person, we are all working together to promote life-changing resources and research, to push for change and to create community connections that welcome, inform and uplift. This is what makes our community of millions thrive and why we are all Champions of Yes.

Springfield College is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational institution founded in 1885. Approximately 4,100 students, including 2,500 full-time undergraduate students, study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its regional campuses across the country. Springfield College inspires students through the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy – educating in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others