One day Erik would like to see more effective treatments and potentially a cure for the diseases that make even simple movement painful for his wife, Deeanne. She faces two forms of arthritis – psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis – which both cause inflammation in her joints, including her spine, limiting everyday activities for this Florida family that loves to visit Disney World whenever they have a chance. Deeanne has access to a ground-breaking treatment to help address the pain and challenges from her diseases but even on this medicine her condition is progressing. In addition to promoting research, the family’s experience with increased out-of-pocket costs and health plan restrictions on Deeanne’s care was a driving factor behind Erik joining Voters for Cures. For his wife and many others who suffer from degenerative diseases like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, affordable access to lifesaving treatments is critical.