Help Tyler raise money

Hi there! My name is Tyler Picotte and I have decided to run the 2025 Pittsburgh Marathon for a cause that is very personal to me and many people around the world. Rheumatoid Arthritis.

When I was 22 I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition; degenerative Rheumatoid Arthritis. This disease, which is typically diagnosed on or after age 55, changed my life in an instant. After months of doctor’s appointments and strange health complications I finally had a diagnosis. As the condition progressed, everyday things became harder and I had to adjust to living in a state of constant pain. Everyday tasks became much more difficult, things that used to be fun, came with painful side effects, and I was much more prone to getting sick. Since this diagnosis, my life has been a cycle of medical tests, regular x-rays and bloodwork, medicine, and more. 

In 2020, 17.6 million people worldwide were diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. That is a 14.1% increase from 1990.

People take for granted their ability to dress themselves, do basic household tasks, and everyday life pain free. Myself as well as the millions of impacted people have had to learn to live with these complications and still try to thrive. People with RA typically experience a shortened life expectancy ranging from 5-10 years barring no complications. 

I am running this marathon for the Arthritis Foundation of Western PA in the hope that improved medical treatment and symptom management is an achievement of the near future. Running a marathon with RA is definitely a challenge and the post run pain will be all worth it in the long run. 

Thank you for any donations and support and for sharing this to anyone else interested in reading or learning more about RA the below links are great resources for patients and families dealing with this condition.

The Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org

American College of Rheumatology: https://rheumatology.org

Versus Arthritis: https://versusarthritis.org