| Type | non-profit organization |
|---|---|
| Founded | October 1983 |
| Location | Van Nuys, CA |
| Employees | 9 |
| Website | spondylitis.org |
The Spondylitis Association of America[1] (SAA) started in 1983 as a charity by people affected by ankylosing spondylitis, a crippling, debilitating form of spinal arthritis that often strikes young people. SAA's mission is to be a leader in the quest to cure ankylosing and related diseases, and to empower those affected to live life to the fullest.
SAA was co-founded in 1983 by Jane Bruckel, BSN, RN and an ankylosing spondylitis patient. Her goal was to get word out about ankylosing spondylitis and help support others with this disease[2].
The Spondylitis Association of America grew over the last 25 years to help support research[3], create educational materials, support groups and educational seminars on ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases[4].
A United States, national, non-profit organization, SAA now resides in Van Nuys, CA after moving offices from Sherman Oaks, CA in 2010.