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Community Corner

8-year-old Named Youth Ambassador of Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis

Ashley to help reach fundraising goal of $57,550.

The Arthritis Foundation New England Region has named eight year old, Ashley the Youth Ambassador for the 2014 Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis. As an ambassador, Ashley will be a large part in helping the Danbury ‘Walk to Cure Arthritis’ reach its fundraising goal of $57,550.

 

Walk to Cure Arthritis is the Arthritis Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event, with local events hosted by approximately 115 cities nationwide. Funds raised through the event support Arthritis Foundation programs, research and advocacy initiatives to help people live better today while finding a cure for the number one cause of disability in the United States tomorrow.

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Ashley is an eight year old with juvenile arthritis, but she sees herself as a very lucky girl.  Ashley was diagnosed at 18 months when she stopped walking because of her severe pain.  Thankfully, due to her wonderful pediatrician, she was quickly referred to see a knowledgeable rheumatologist to diagnose and treat Ashley’s arthritis.  Today, outside of her weekly medication, there are no signs that Ashley has arthritis.  Ashley loves to play with her friends, do gymnastics and swim. 

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The Arthritis Foundation is working towards creating these success stories for the other one in five adults and 300,000 children in America that are struggling with arthritis.  Ashley and her family have been chosen to represent the organization to stand up as advocates for the cause.  They say, “The Arthritis Foundation is a key part of helping us with questions, resources, and friends as we continue to work towards a cure!” 

 

To learn more and register for the Danbury Walk to Cure Arthritis, visit http://walktocurearthritisdanburyct.kintera.org/ or contact Luellen Perkins at Lperkins@arthritis.org or call 860-563-1177To learn more about the fight to cure arthritis, visit www.arthritiswalk.org

 

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of this serious, painful and unacceptable disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.

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