Auction of Pics Signed by Stephen Moyer & Anna Paquin for a Cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis

I would like to ask your attention for an auction that benefits two non-profit organizations that have a strong connection to my personal life: The International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement and the Spondylitis Association of America.

In 2009 I was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
AS is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation of the vertebrae that leads to severe, chronic pain and discomfort and can lead to new bone formation on the spine, causing the spine to fuse in a fixed, immobile position.

Currently, there is no known cure for AS, but there are treatments and medications available to reduce symptoms and manage the pain.

That all sounds very technical and a picture is worth a thousand words. This is what AS looks like if it’s not treated. The spine of this patient is fully fused and leaves him immobile in a forward bent position.

No, I don’t look like this. Even though it took 20 very long years to finally reach diagnosis, only my lower back vertebrae are fully fused and my neck vertebrae only partially.

In October 2009 I started with the medication. I inject myself twice a week and I will have to continue to do this for the rest of my days. Even though the AS was in an advanced stage when I started treatment, I’ve responded very well to the medication and my mobility has improved enormously. I can stand up straight again and tie my own shoes. The pain level has been reduced significantly and I can work a full time job (besides being co-admin of 2 fan sites). Under the circomstances I am doing quite well, but I worry about futher loss of mobility and complications.

For the auction to support research to find a cure for Ankylosing Spondylitis and other related diseases I have chosen 2 photos signed by Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin. This auction works the same as always, only the website where you place your bid is different and you’ll pay directly to the non-profit. Lynn has the photos in her Los Angeles home and will send them to the auction winner.

The auction starts on November 25. Visit the auction listing here:
http://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auction_details.php?auction_id=146516

Please check out all the other items on auction as well here.

For more information about AS please visit: http://www.spondylitis.org/

Thank you.
Shadaliza