The month of July featured a number of popular press items in regards to athletes with one of the spondyloarthopathies: ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis (ReA - formerly Reiter's syndrome), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), enteropathic arthritis (spondylitis/arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease), and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (USpA).

Years ago, Rico Brogna, a former professional baseball player with AS, and a spokesman for SAA from the summer of 1997 to the winter of 2001, helped raise awareness of the disease. Where is the next Rico?

From July:

Ian Woosman, a professional golfer and former Masters champion

From the article: "Woosnam has suffered health problems over the last few years that at one point left him fearing his career was over. As well as post-viral fatigue syndrome Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Woosnam has also been battling the painful, progressive rheumatic disease Ankylosing Spondylitis."

Ex-snooker star Chris gives up cash battle

From the article: Chris Small "had to quit the game after developing a rare degenerative spinal condition, ankylosing spondylitis, and has been having to claim benefits since."

She's watching her weights

"She got into bodybuilding but was forced to stop because of a ruptured disk. She said she was paralyzed for a few weeks and was told she would never lift weights again. She also has ankylosing spondylitis, an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and discomfort in the joints."

And one athlete is helping to raise awareness in Ireland:

Rugbyman says watch your back

Rico Brogna, a former professional baseball player, was SAA's spokesman for a time. Since that time, we haven't had another professional athlete with one of these diseases that would team with SAA to help raise awareness of the spondyloarthropathies.

About Rico Brogna
Rico Brogna was a major league baseball player who played for the Tigers, Mets and Phillies, among others. Diagnosed with a spondyloarthropathy (ankylosing spondylitis) in 1991, he enjoyed nine years in the bigs before retiring in 2000. He was a favorite of both fans and media, as is illustrated by Jim Salisbury of the Philadelphia Inquirer when he wrote of Rico, "In a game filled with selfishness and arrogance, Brogna is a delightful oasis."

But his battle to help raise money for the fight to defeat spondyloarthropathies showed how deep his character truly ran. A spokesman for SAA from the summer of 1997 to the winter of 2001, he still remains an honorary board member and we wish him all the best and thank him for his help with the struggle against spondylitis.

"I am hoping that I can inspire others to do things they didn't think they were capable of with AS. Learn to do what you didn't think possible, and you can accomplish great things." --Rico Brogna

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