A Man With a Mission

Larry Snyder knows what it’s like to see a loved one suffer from arthritis. His mother, Jean Snyder, has rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. The only son in his family and brother to five sisters, he remembers his mother as an active, outgoing woman who loved to share her warmth by cooking dinners for big family gatherings. Larry and his family members saw the arthritis become a challenge for his mother when her hands started to slowly stiffen. Thankfully, Jean has received support from doctors at Highline Hospital in Burien. In the last two years, she has been taking new drugs that Larry believes made a big difference in her life.  “It hasn’t necessarily stopped all the pain from it, but we feel the progression of it has somewhat subsided,” said Larry.

Larry’s personal story about his mother fuels his passion for helping the Arthritis Foundation.
“So I have a pretty personal connection not only what arthritis is, but how important the Arthritis Foundation is for providing education, also patient services and general awareness about the therapies that are available, and also the people that are out there that can mentor who need help understanding not only what arthritis is, but how it can be treated and how it can be prevented..”
The Arthritis Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and reduce the impact of arthritis. It impacts one in every five adults and 300,000 children– 6,100 children in the state of Washington alone. The Bone Bash Auction is an event that raises money for research, programs and services to improve quality of life, and a cure.

Three years ago, Larry’s associate and friend told him about the Bone Bash Auction. He eventually met some of the committee members and wanted to be part of the event. His wish was granted—Larry will be the auctioneer for the October 20 Bone Bash event at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Seattle. It’s the first time Larry is directly involved with helping the Arthritis Foundation raise money through a live auction.

Larry has spent the last 20 years professionally fundraising for the Seattle community as an auctioneer. His mission is to make the events productive, fun and memorable.
“In the end when the donor leaves the room and has given to their ability, if they can remember why– not only why, but how they gave. If that experience was memorable to them, there is a really good chance they will stay involved with that cause,” Larry said. “If it’s just another night on the town and onto the next event, then I don’t think I’ve done my job.”

He is looking forward to raising funds at the Bone Bash event for the Arthritis Foundation. He knows many people will give to an organization close to their heart and give to a mission that can make a difference. He hopes the Seattle community will join him in the support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission.

“If you look around within your family and maybe even your social circle, someone has either been affected by arthritis and is no longer with us or living with it now,” Larry said.
While arthritis remains a challenge for Jean, she doesn’t give up easily and continues to enjoy her life with her husband. Donations from the community have helped her live comfortably.
You can do the same for someone else.

Visit bonebashseattle.com and buy tickets to the Bone Bash Auction. You can make a difference.