Oxford News

Her good days consist of being able to get out of bed, cook herself breakfast and partake in her favorite activity, crocheting.

But for 56-year-old Mary Boudreau, her bad days often outnumber her good days.

In 1993, Boudreau was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. As one of the most serious and debilitating autoimmune diseases, Boudreau has felt its painful effects firsthand.

"My hands and feet are so swollen. I can't do anything," she said.

RA is more common in women than it is in men. It occurs when the autoimmune system attacks the joint tissue. It often leaves parts of the body deformed.

A portion of Boudreau's right hand is misshapen because of Rheumatoid Arthritis. When pressure is applied to her knuckles, pain often surges through her hands and swelling starts to form.

"It would wake me from a sound sleep," said Boudreau, a Cincinnati-area resident.

While there's no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Boudreau has taken Rituxan, a drug developed by Genentech that slows down the RA process. Injected into the body through an IV, Rituxan helps control the pain. Boudreau underwent her first two Rituxan treatments in December.

"The pain isn't as bad as it's been before," she said.

Genentech is a client of Weber Shandwick Worldwide, a public relations firm. As an account associate for PR firm, Liz Bowen has had the opportunity to speak with Boudreau.

"I think she can really serve as a beacon of hope for people. She has a certain strength about her," Bowen said.

Boudreau can remember her days as a child and studying her grandmother's swollen fingers while she crocheted. She didn't realize it at the time, but her grandmother was suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. She just ignored it, Boudreau explained.

Because of her personal battle with RA, Boudreau urges others to seek care when warning signs appear.

"When you're young, you just ignore the pain, and go on. You should do something to help yourself, though. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be diagnosed with a simple blood test," she said.

During her life, Boudreau has undergone surgery on her knees, right foot and the carpel tunnels in both her hands due to RA. As if Rheumatoid Arthritis hasn't been enough of a burden, Boudreau has endured breast cancer, congestive heart failure that led to an open heart surgery and a heart attack during her life.

"I've learned to live through a lot," she said. "I feel like getting on my knees and thanking God. I know I've been close to death."

Even with all she's been through, Boudreau tries to keep her humor.

"I used to be uptight. I've learned not let every little thing get to me," she said.