Danielle Wilson

       Barkha Shewakramani

      Katrina Thornley

www.phillyarabia.com

Katrina Thornley
Katrina’s mission is very simple: “To increase the awareness of arthritis, so people will not be afraid to ask for help,” says the courageous Patient Support Director for the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.

Katrina has suffered from Arthritis since the age of two and joined the foundation three years ago to help spread awareness and highlight how this crippling disease also affects young people. Today Katrina is successfully doing more than she could have ever imagined, despite her physicial disadvantages. “Last year I completed the Standard Chartered Marathon.

I didn’t know if I could complete it with my arthritis. It was definitely mind over matter.”

Barkha Shewakramani
It’s very satisfying to know you’ve made a difference to someone’s life, even if it’s in a small way,” says Barkha who is currently the Relations Director for Emirates Arthritis Foundation and also owner of the fashion label Dramaqueen. Last year Barkha used her fashion savvy to help start a new concept called Fashion for a Cause. “We have our ambassadors walking the ramp alongside models in Dubai Fashion Week to show their support for the charity and raise awareness.”

The mother-of-one came across EAF when she was diagnosed with Lupus during her pregnancy. “In my quest for more information, I found EAF and fell in love with the foundation. It’s run by a small team of wonderful people who work hard to spread as much awareness as they can about the disease.”

The Hot 100 is known to represent people from across the region who not only have had outstanding achievements but have made a significant difference on a regional and international scale. ITP Publishing have been generous enough this year to donate the sales of the Hot 100 photographed canvases to the Emirates Arthritis Foundation (EAF). 

Most people have heard of Arthritis but very few know what this disease actually is about. Arthritis is known to be a life changing disease, where day-to-day errands can be demanding and challenging. Arthritis affects 1 in 5 people worldwide. The average age of Arthritis sufferer is 43 years old.  It is not just about old people but young people including children, can suffer from this debilitating disease. Not only affecting the joints, but skin, eyes, lungs and hearts. The photographed canvases will not only raise funds for the Emirates Arthritis Foundation but will also create a better understanding and knowledge base highlighting the importance of Arthritis, and how the commonly heard disease can affect your daily lives. 

 Each Hot 100 will have a photographed canvas displayed at the event  to be sold at Dhs 250 which ITP will donate to the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.  

What is the Emirates Arthritis Foundation?

The Emirates Arthritis Foundation strives to breathe life into leading ideas on health, hope and happiness, and to raise awareness about the rigours of arthritis.  EAF is a non-profit organisation that contributes to the welfare of the entire region by providing an extensive range of events and programs to support arthritis patients. In addition, our regional outreach initiatives comprise of a variety of recreational programmes, drawing upon support from the healthcare community. Our code of ethics at the Emirates Arthritis Foundation is based upon promoting ideals of corporate fairness, transparency and accountability, in order to remain a trusted community body.

Virgin – On-Air 23 January 2011 09_29_24