Margaret Ann Hill

Margaret Hill founded the Back Pain Association of America (BPPA) in 1991. Operating from her home, this dynamic woman was whole-souled in meeting the associations goals to educate people about back pain and to teach them to be informed patients. She attributes her ability to accomplish those goals to the extensive experience she gained as a volunteer with the Maryland chapter of the Arthritis Foundation during the 1980's.

Having arachnoiditis herself, Margaret obtained a packet of information from the National Institutes of Health which she used to educate herself. Then she began contacting medical professionals and to educate the public. This information became a springboard leading to further skill in research and education. She was able to expand her repertoire of knowledge by joining the National Library of Medicine.

In the early 1990's, the internet was fast becoming the most effective method to not only obtain quality scientific information, but also to dispense information worldwide in a timely fashion. Margaret took advantage of the opportunity to not only expand her own arsenal of scientific material but also to educate large numbers of people throughout the world. She started the first arachnoiditis and back pain support groups online . One was called Arachnoiditis and the other Back Pain. The groups were operational for several years and membership in the BPPA increased as members of the online support groups joined the association.

Dr. Charles V. Burton, MD became the Executive Director of the Back Pain Association in the mid-1990's. His knowledge and expertise about arachnoidtiis was an invaluable aid to the organization. Margaret became meticulous in her efforts to dispense the most scientifically accurate data and to assist people to understand their rights as patients and to be apprised of the risks and possible outcomes from testing procedures, treatments and surgery for back problems. She has personally spoken with and helped people from all over the world who have arachnoditis. From these people she gained deeper insight into the detrimental and wide range of effects the disease has on people's lives.

By late 1997, ASAMS began learning from the BPPA through the literature and advice that Margaret made available. She had, by this time, become one of the most informed layman in the world about arachnoiditis. Unfortunately, her advancing health problems began to severely limit her activities. This curtailed the work of the association though she still communicates with persons seeking information.

ASAMS began increasing their efforts with much the same goals of Margaret Hill, so it was only natural that a relationship would continue between them. Despite her disabilities, she generously continues to make herself available thus assisting ASAMS to this day. We at ASAMS recognize the years of hard work and self-sacrificing dedication that she has put forth as she has worked to help thousands of people despite her own illness. We hold her in esteem and are grateful for her continued association with us.