We Are FORWARD
FORWARD—The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases is the largest patient-reported research databank for rheumatic disorders in the United States. We report to the rheumatology community in peer-reviewed journals and at major scientific conferences such as American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR).
Why FORWARD?
Simply put, FORWARD is our organization’s core mission over the last 20 years—to advance research and discovery in Rheumatology and beyond through human connection and deep insight.
Studies have shown that patients who enroll in a registry live longer than those who don’t. This is what drives us. It is why we want to continue growing our databank and research, learning from the past to understand the future and to provide hope that one day, we can find a cure and enjoy a life free of pain.
How Can I Get Involved?
You are invited to join us in our work, either as a person with a rheumatic disorder, or as a physician or researcher who wants to help and use our data bank and research services, including data collection tools and database support.
By rheumatic conditions, we mean rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyositis, low back pain, tendonitis, and many other problems- anything that you would see a rheumatologist or joint specialist about. The FORWARD project collects data on rheumatic conditions directly from persons who have these problems. The goals of the project are to advance knowledge about the causes, outcomes, costs, treatments, and results of treatments related to rheumatic conditions.
