Your Stories

NOF Teen Ambassador Elizabeth Hawthorne successfully advocated for the passage of a resolution declaring October 20, 2011 Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Day in the state of Michigan.

On May 31, 2011 the Michigan House of Representatives passed a resolution declaring October 20, 2011 as Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Day. State Representative Vicki Barnett (37th House District) introduced the resolution at the request of NOF Teen Ambassador Elizabeth Hawthorne, an active volunteer with NOF and spokesperson for Best Bones Forever. Through her community work as the current Miss Oakland County and a former Miss Michigan Teen USA, Elizabeth has been raising awareness about osteoporosis and bone health as part of her platform for several years.

Advocates Visit Capitol Hill in this Spring and Summer to Speak About Osteoporosis and Bone Health

On March 16, April 27, June 15 and July 20, 2010, NOF brought together patients and health professionals from around the country to meet with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the physical and economic impact that osteoporosis and poor bone health have on the nation. Advocates came from Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. They shared their stories and asked Congress to protect patient access to osteoporosis testing, create a national bone health program and increase research funding. Read more and see pictures.

Meet Sally Fullman: Advocate for Bone Health

It all started a few summers ago. While coming out of the ocean after a swim, a wave hit me. I fell and fractured my knee Confined to a walker and totally dependent on others, I decided to exercise more and build stronger bones. I also decided to speak out for myself and many of us who live with or at risk for osteoporosis. I felt I could really make a difference by becoming an advocate for better bone health. Read more

Meet Jennie Image: Advocate for Bone Health

Jennie Image is a volunteer NOF support group leader in the Dallas, Texas area. She is an advocate for better bone health busy at work leading three support groups that are free and open to the public. Jennie is passionate about helping osteoporosis patients and those at risk to learn more about improving their bone health and how to live with the disease. Through her community involvement she is raising awareness of the importance of strong bones every day! Read more

Advocates Celebrate World Osteoporosis Day on Capitol Hill

On October 20, 2009, World Osteoporosis Day, NOF brought together patients and health professionals from around the country to meet with Members of Congress on Capitol Hill to raise awareness of the physical and economic impact that osteoporosis and poor bone health have on the nation. Read more and see the group picture.

Meet Lynn Kohlmeier, M.D.: Advocate for Bone Health

Lynn Kohlmeier, M.D., is an endocrinologist, researcher and instructor. She is an advocate for better bone health and a community leader in Spokane, Wash. Dr. Kohlmeier champions exercise and a healthy lifestyle which promotes bone health, working with her patients to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Read more

Meet Linda Johnson from Brentwood, Maryland

After suffering several painful fractures, Linda Johnson was finally diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 43. While at first relieved to have a diagnosis, Linda was devastated when she learned that because she was premenopausal there was little her doctor could do to help prevent future bone loss. That was back in 1991. Today, Linda has found an exercise and treatment plan that works and is an advocate for better bone health. On May 21, 2009 Linda shared her compelling story at a congressional briefing hosted by NOF, in conjunction with the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases (Bone Coalition), to engage Congress in an action plan for making bone health a national priority. Read more

Meet Alice V. Roberts from Cottonwood, Arizona

Alice was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 1991, 11 years after having a hysterectomy and no hormone replacement therapy because of side effects. In 2004, when she had to go on long-term disability, she decided to write a book, Living Day to Day with Severe Osteoporosis-What Every Person Should Know Regardless of Age.  Read more

Meet Lee Bursley from Newport, Rhode Island

Lee Bursley was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 55. After the initial shock, Lee, who has a background in social work, became busy raising awareness about osteoporosis and bone health. Lee, pictured third from the left in the top row with the support group she leads, was empowered by her osteoporosis diagnosis to make a difference.

“As a social worker, I knew that advocacy can have a powerful impact on raising awareness and on public education… How do I find time to be a bone health advocate? I don’t find time. I make time. Being a bone health advocate is a priority for me. It helps give meaning and purpose to my experience of being a person living with osteoporosis.” Read more

Meet Dana Kurland from Tucson, Arizona

Dana Kurland was diagnosed with osteoporosis when she was very young, and has been fighting back ever since. Her efforts to improve her bone density and to raise awareness in her community about bone health and osteoporosis make her an outstanding advocate for better bone health. Dana, pictured right with her father, was empowered by her osteoporosis diagnosis to make a difference.

"It is very important to me to be an advocate for osteoporosis since I personally have suffered from the disease and know how it can affect one's quality of life." Read more