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WAD 2025
Dreams that Heal
On October 11, 2025, FUNARP hosted an empowering event at Holiday Inn Express Panama to celebrate World Arthritis Day. Under the theme 'Dreams that Heal,' we brought together over 70 patients, caretakers, and health professionals for educational sessions, a health fair, and an interactive activity where dreams became reality. Our goal was to inspire hope, provide practical support for rheumatoid arthritis management, and foster community. We live-streamed the event, reaching thousands online via YouTube and Instagram. Explore the highlights below and see how dreams can truly heal.
Event Highlights
Our event not only educated but also connected the community, turning dreams into actionable support for those living with rheumatoid arthritis in Panama.
Starting the Day with Insightful Conferences
These sessions provided practical knowledge on treatment options, safety, and daily living with arthritis, drawing from expert speakers to empower attendees.
Management of RA with Subcutaneous Methotrexate
Dr. Edgardo González, RMD Specialist
Conference about methotrexate (MTX), which remains the primary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
This disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) serves as the initial therapy for nearly 80% of newly diagnosed RA cases, demonstrating remarkable persistence with 81% of patients continuing treatment at five years.
- Subcutaneous vs. Oral Administration: Research shows subcutaneous methotrexate significantly reduces treatment failure rates compared to oral administration (49% vs. 77%). The injectable form bypasses absorption limitations, allowing optimal dosing of 20-25mg while reducing gastrointestinal side effects by 25%.
- Combination Therapy Benefits: International guidelines recommend combining methotrexate with biological therapies to enhance efficacy and prevent neutralizing antibodies. This combination approach ensures biologics remain effective longer and improves overall treatment outcomes.
Understanding Hypersensitivity to Biological Agents
Dr. Rossana Read, Allergist and immunologist Specialist
Conference that explained immune-mediated reactions to biologic therapies. The WHO classifies adverse drug reactions into Type A (80%, predictable) and Type B (10-15%, unpredictable hypersensitivity reactions).
The WHO classifies adverse drug reactions into Type A (80%, predictable) and Type B (10-15%, unpredictable hypersensitivity reactions).
Key Adverse Reactions:
- Cytokine Release Syndrome: Common with intravenous biologics like Rituximab
- IgG-Mediated Neutralization: Antibodies that block therapeutic effectiveness
- Immune Deviation: Risk of infection reactivation, including tuberculosis
- Critical Management Strategies: Continuous treatment adherence is essential to prevent therapeutic failure. Combining biologics with immunosuppressants like methotrexate reduces immunogenicity. Proper screening, including IGRA testing for latent tuberculosis, helps minimize complications.
Dr. Read emphasized the importance of risk minimization management plans, noting Panama’s healthcare system requires improved monitoring protocols for biologic therapies and biosimilar medications.
Physical Therapy and Mobility Safety: Proper Cane and Walker Use for RMD Patients
Eilleen Armstrong, P.T.
Statistics reveal that more than 50% of people with arthritis rely on some form of assisted mobility device. These aids play a crucial role in providing support and stability while reducing pain during walking, enabling patients to maintain their independence and quality of life.
Proper Cane Selection and Usage
- Height Adjustment: Correct cane height aligns with the wrist crease or hip bone, with elbows bent 20-30 degrees when standing. Proper height prevents joint complications and ensures correct biomechanics.
- Positioning: Canes are typically used opposite the affected leg, though adjustments may be needed based on individual gait evaluation.
- Types and Maintenance: Options include single-point, four-point wide-base, and adjustable canes. Inspect rubber tips every six months for wear—damaged bases increase fall risk significantly.
- Correct Gait Pattern: Walk using this sequence: cane, affected leg, sound leg. Incorrect patterns require movement re-education.
Walker Safety Guidelines
- Walkers provide greater stability for transfers requiring over 50% weight support, such as rising from cars or chairs. Keep walkers close to your body and avoid excessive forward leaning.
- Wheeled Walkers: Less stable than four-point models, requiring users to support 70% or more of their body weight independently with greater muscle strength.
Strengthening for Independence
Simple quadricep exercises—seated leg lifts—build essential muscle strength for standing and walking, promoting long-term mobility independence.
Dreams that Heal Activity
Exploring How Dreams Can Heal You!
How did we do it?
- Participants wrote personal and community dreams on notes.
- Sponsors wrote wishes for patients.
- Dreams pinned on boards.
- Matches won prizes (e.g., Antonia’s exercise dream matched PT sponsor).
This activity highlighted the power of dreams in healing, with 70 personal and community dreams shared.
Attendance and Engagement
A Vibrant Gathering of Patients and Caretakers.
70 in-person attendees, 200+ online viewers, 4.5-hour event. The attendees enjoyed interactive Q&A, fostering connections and hope among those affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Health Fair
A Vibrant Gathering of Patients and Caretakers.
70 in-person attendees, 200+ online viewers, 4.5-hour event. The attendees enjoyed interactive Q&A, fostering connections and hope among those affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Our Social Media Presence
Find us to know more about #WAD2025
YouTube
Our sponsors made it possible to live streamed the event via YouTube and Instagram.
The complete event remains available on our YouTube channel for those who couldn’t attend live.
Our sponsorship did not include paid ads
As an all-volunteer organization, FUNARP worked diligently to promote the World Arthritis Day 2025 event across all social media platforms to maximize patient reach and education.
Our dedicated team shared the event extensively:
- Instagram posts generated more than 6k views respectively, with our reel reaching 933 views.
- Facebook reached 499 people, while our brand-new TikTok presence helped expand our audience.
- Twitter/X garnered 14 engagements
- LinkedIn achieved 23 views.
We remain committed to using every available platform to ensure no patient is left without access to vital arthritis education and resources, despite our limited volunteer capacity.