Volunteering is an American tradition that has made an immeasurable contribution to communities, organizations, and individuals throughout the country. Today's volunteers are active, dynamic, creative individuals who possess the skills, desire, patience, and time to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.

This week we're honoring the hearty individuals who volunteer their time to help raise the funds that SAA needs to remain in the forefront of spondylitis research, treatment and advocacy. Whether it be organizing benefit concerts, hosting educational fundraising dinners, procuring donated items to include in the upcoming online auction, designating a portion of their own auctions proceeds to benefit the organization or naming SAA as a beneficiary of their wedding or other significant event, SAA's Volunteer Fundraisers go above and beyond the call to provide financial support and spread awareness for the betterment of the spondylitis community as a whole. For that, they have our sincerest thanks.

SAA would also like to thank our Educational Support Group Leaders. These volunteers from around the country dedicate their time and energy to organizing group meetings that provide support and education while increasing awareness of ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases in their communities. Through their volunteerism, these leaders have made a real difference in the lives of people managing their spondylitis.

We would like to give special thanks to all those who have volunteered and/or participated in spondyloarthritis research this last year. Through your efforts, we helped achieve the most significant breakthroughs in ankylosing spondylitis genetic research in 36 years.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation to the members of the Board of Directors and the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board for their outstanding leadership of and extraordinary dedication to the mission of the Spondylitis Association.

STAY INFORMED! Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information regarding AS and related diseases with our news magazine, Spondylitis Plus. Your subscription comes free with SAA membership, so click here to join today!