Western PA Press Rheum

2010 WPA Arthritis Walk & Family Day Child Honoree

afwpapr — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:24:58 +0000

The Arthritis Foundation Announces the 2010 Arthritis Walk Child Honoree

Ashlyn Connolly – 2010 Child Honoree

The Arthritis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter is proud to announce Ashlyn Connolly, 4, of Pittsburgh, Pa., as the 2010 Western Pennsylvania Arthritis Walk Child Honoree.

In 2009, at just 3 years old, Ashlyn was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects five or more joints.

Julie Connolly, Ashlyn’s mother, said she and her husband, Colin, knew something was wrong when Ashlyn injured her ankle.

After Ashlyn injured her ankle, the swelling didn’t decrease over time like it was supposed to. Then Ashlyn had pain and swelling in her left knee. Ashlyn became stiff and swollen and was in such pain that she told her parents it “hurt to walk.” The family took Ashlyn to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where she began treatment for her arthritis.

Despite pain, Ashlyn is energetic, lively and doesn’t let arthritis slow her down. She wakes up almost every morning full of excited questions such as “What are we doing today?” or “So, where are we going?”

“Ashlyn is such a trooper. She just keeps going and doesn’t let anything get her down. Even in the beginning before we got the diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, she was stiff and sore, but never complained. If it hurt her to walk, she would just figure out another way to get around and continue what she was doing,” said Julie.

In many ways Ashlyn is still blissfully unaware of her condition, but the Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis was difficult for her parents.

Colin, Ashlyn’s father, said he and Julie were shocked and devastated that their daughter had arthritis at only three years old. “It’s frustrating that there are so many unknowns about the disease – for example, the trial and errors of finding what medicines will work, will it spread to more joints and get worse, or will she be one of the lucky ones whose arthritis will go away while she’s still a child? We’re also obviously worried about how this is going to affect her when she gets older,” he said.

The family advices parents of children with arthritis to stay positive and hopeful and to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation’s family days and Juvenile Arthritis events. They said that meeting other families of children with juvenile arthritis had been a great help to them and Ashlyn.

Ashlyn enjoys preschool, going to the playground, being with other kids, coloring, and, of course, Disney Princesses. She’s a typical preschooler in everyway, except that she has arthritis, the 6^th most common childhood disease. Please join the Arthritis Foundation in honoring Ashlyn, and the other 3 million children nationally affected with arthritis, at the 2010 Western PA Arthritis Walk, Wellness & Family Fun Day at Kennywood Amusement Park on May 8, 2010.

Registration for the 5k walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk will start at 9 a.m. After the walk, the Arthritis Foundation will also host a Juvenile Arthritis Family Day in the park. For information on the walk or awareness day please visit http://westernpennsylvania.arthritis.org or call the Arthritis Foundation at (412) 566-1645.

2010 WPA Walk & Family Day at Kennywood

afwpapr — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:26:33 +0000

Pittsburgh, PA – The Arthritis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter will host the 2010 Western Pennsylvania Arthritis Walk, Wellness & Family Fun Day at Kennywood Park on Saturday, May 8^th at 9 am.

The 3-mile walk will wind its way through a closed and historic Kennywood Park. After the walk, participants are invited to join the Arthritis Foundation for an Awareness & Family Fun Day in the park for food, fun, awareness sessions and rides!

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and KDKA Newsradio 1020 are leadership sponsors for the event. KDKA talk show host Robert Mangino will help kick off the Walk. Ashlyn Connolly, age 4, of Pittsburgh, will serve as the Child Honoree.

The Family Fun & Awareness Day will take place at the “Arthritis Pavilions,” which are located near the Log Jammer. The Arthritis Awareness Session will be specifically directed towards parents of JA children. There will be a special guest speaker, games and kid activities, a Sky Coaster Ride Raffle, Walk Awards and much more. It will be a day filled with opportunity and learning.

To register for the event or for information on the Arthritis Foundation, call 412-566-1645 or visit westernpennsylvania.arthritis.org.

Proceeds from the event will support research and programs for people with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter provides services to more than 10,000 people each year. It provides educational materials on various forms of the disease, medications and other treatment options. Community education programs also help people learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease early and encourage prompt treatment to limit disability from arthritis.

Jingle Bell Run 2009

afwpapr — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:02:32 +0000

2009 Bone Bash Gala and Testimonial Dinner

afwpapr — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:33:25 +0000

Meet Maddie! 2009 Jingle Bell Run Honoree

afwpapr — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:29:31 +0000

Arthritis Foundation, Western PA Vice-Chair Wins National Addie Thomas Service Award at American College of Rheumatology Conference – Congrats to Jane Brandestein – by Ashley Boynes, Community Development Director, WPA Chapter

afwpapr — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:36:40 +0000

Every year the American College of Rheumatology holds a national conference. This year, the annual meeting was held in Philadelphia during the 3^rd week of October. The ACR is a scientific meeting featuring keynote speakers, research presentations, and more. They also recognize worthy individuals in different fields related to arthritis and rheumatic disease, and give out a variety of awards to these deserving individuals, who hail from all over our great nation.

During the Saturday evening kickoff of this year’s conference, our very own Jane Brandenstein was awarded the distinguished ARHP Addie Thomas Service Award.

This award recognizes individuals who have been an active volunteer with local, regional and even national arthritis-related activities. Jane Brandenstein, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, currently sits on the Arthritis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania’s Board of Directors as Vice-Chair and, next year, will become the Chairperson of the Board.

Jane has an extensive history of volunteering and service. She genuinely flourishes as she helps others and spreads arthritis awareness. She is particularly concerned with promoting the importance of exercise, physical activity, and overall wellness.

Jane has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association since 1965 and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals since the 1980’s. She has been a valued member of The Arthritis Foundation, Western PA Chapter, since 1982. Additionally, she has been chosen as a part of the national Arthritis Foundation “Flying Squad” Training Group, where she teaches exercise training to arthritis instructors who offer helpful classes to those suffering from arthritis. Jane is also a member of the US Power Squadrons, where she teaches safe boating classes. She has given presentations for the Annual Scientific Meeting, the Rehabilitation Training Network, the Scleroderma Foundation National Meeting, PSS Support Groups, and University of Pittsburgh Physical Therapy Classes.

Additionally, she is involved with the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, as well as the Arthritis Foundation Self-Help Program. She not only leads these programs, but teaches new instructors and trainers on a local and national level. Jane also serves as a member of the Speaker’s Bureau, traveling the Western Pennsylvania region speaking on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation, WPA Chapter. Her presentation of “Arthritis 101” is the foundation’s most popular.

Jane has been certified as an Arthritis Foundation leader and trainer for the Arthritis Foundation Exercise and Self-Help Programs. Under Jane’s tutelage, hundreds of program leaders currently teach these classes in local and regional communities, helping individuals of all ages lead better lives despite the disabling effects of arthritis. Jane is an ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation through her countless speaking engagements. Her help with the chapter’s “Family Days” with Children’s Hospital has helped bring awareness to our “Kid’s Get Arthritis, Too” program and has helped families and children deal with this disease. She has demonstrated a commitment to many other organizations in the areas of health, wellness and advocacy for physical activity.

In addition to having her plate full with all of the above volunteer and outreach efforts, Jane also was featured as one of our inaugural Arthritis Radio guests. She is a close friend of our chapter’s. She’s certainly gone a step above and beyond in her personal and professional development by giving back and by being an inspiration to the community that she serves. Jane cares about the causes that are close to her heart and makes sure to create awareness by reaching out to the community and educating others. Her passion reaches both near and far, as she strives to provide outreach on both local and national levels, for all ages. She cares about helping others, and about teaching people to help themselves. Jane is dedicated to the importance of physical activity and hopes to educate others on this importance so that they can improve upon the quality of their lives. Jane is a woman who is wholeheartedly dedicated to the organizations that she belongs to, and she is devoted to the people who she serves. Jane is an inspiration to all whose lives she touches.

We congratulate her on her successes and in winning the esteemed Addie Thomas Service Award. Her national recognition has been well-earned. Please join us in congratulating our very own Jane Bradenstein on earning national acknowledgment for all of her hard work through the years. We appreciate it and are proud that she is a part of the AFWPA Family!

To see Jane’s photo and “blurb” in the online American College of Rheumatology 2009 Annual Meeting Program, click here

To listen to Jane’s podcast on the importance of physical activity click: ARTHRITIS RADIO.

To learn more about the American College of Rheumatology Annual Conference click here.

Thanks for reading, and stay well!

- Ashley Boynes

Community Development Director

Western Pennsylvania Chapter

A 9-Year-Old Living Well with Arthritis: Maddie Genest, Our Inspiring Jingle Bell Run Honoree – by Ashley Boynes, WPA Chapter

afwpapr — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:26:27 +0000

“For three days in a row, she could barely make it down the steps of our 2-story home. As I watched her come down the stairs, she was hunched over, and I thought, ‘She looks like an 80-year-old arthritic woman! She was taking one step at a time, moving slowly, and dragging her feet. Then, she didn’t have the strength to button up her pants, and her hands looked bent. This is when I knew something was wrong.”

It turns out that Mrs. Genest’s instincts were correct. There was, in fact, something wrong with her child. What started in November of 2008 as her daughter, Maddie, having a case of autoimmune psoriasis on her scalp later resulted in a huge arthritic flare in the March of 2009 – a flare that turned out to be Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Maddie Genest was diagnosed with JRA one week before her 9^th birthday, this past March, by the renowned Dr. Rosen at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. For the past 7 months, Maddie has tried multiple treatments ranging from Naproxen, to Prednisone, to Enbrel, and now, Remacaid. However, this brave little girl, who hails from Erie, Pennsylvania, has not let the diagnosis or treatments hold her back or bog her down.

When approached to be the honoree for our 2009 Jingle Bell Run, Maddie did not hesitate. Her mother says that Maddie claims “she has arthritis for a reason” and that she hoped that by being our honoree she would help another kid – or better yet, a few others – who are going through the same type of illness and may be scared. This positive attitude has been the norm throughout the course of this illness, so far.

While Mrs. Genest notes that, naturally, Maddie has her “bad” days, she says that her daughter maintains a mostly positive attitude about living with this chronic illness. While she may not be able to do the monkey bars like some of the other kids on the playground, she’s taken up swimming at the local YMCA, and also enjoys indoor soccer when she is feeling well enough to play, as well as singing, hanging out with friends, and “normal girl things” like shopping.

She’s also had a hand in her treatment. Maddie tried Enbrel injections for a period of time, even giving herself the shots at 9-years-old, but, found them to eventually be too painful. Instead of giving up, it was she who decided upon Remacaid – an intravenous therapy – in Dr. Rosen’s office at Children’s Hospital. Mrs. Genest says that it was Maddie asking the questions: how long will it take, what’s an IV? So, at her discretion, she decided with her parents and Dr. Rosen to try the Remacaid treatments and has completed her first round successfully.
Not all children would be so adaptable. Maddie learned a lot about Juvenile Arthritis at Camp JRA this past summer. She loved it, and enjoyed spending the time with children to whom she could relate, and vice versa.

While every day isn’t rosy, Maddie is sure not to walk around life with a cloud hanging over her head. Her school – a Montessori school – has went above & beyond in making adaptations for Maddie without singling her out as different from the other children. For instance – her class no longer sits on the floor for “circle time” – to make it easier on Maddie. Also, during long testing such as the PSSA’s, Maddie has the option to have an aide fill in the little circles for her if her hands begin to hurt. Mrs. Genest acknowledges gratitude for these special accommodations that allow Maddie to still feel like a normal child, while getting the adaptations that she needs.

One of the hurdles that Maddie and her family faced early on in her diagnosis was the fact that so many are ignorant to the fact that children can get arthritis, too. She hopes that by being our Honoree for the Jingle Bell Run she can spread awareness to people of all ages that arthritis can affect children her age and even younger.

Even though Maddie’s joints may ache, and her grip strength is now 2x weaker than the average 9-year-old, in our minds and in the hearts of her family, Maddie is far stronger than many people her age…and maybe even three times her age. She deals with the burden of a chronic and disabling illness with charm and grace, serving as a positive and inspirational role model for anyone – of any age – who suffers from arthritis or related disease. We thank her, and her parents, for being a part of our upcoming Jingle Bell Run. We are proud to salute her as she continues to fight this beautiful battle.

2009 Arthritis & Wellness Fall Walk Flyer – Oct. 3, 2009

afwpapr — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:12:56 +0000

2009 Arthritis & Wellness Fall Walk

October, 3, 2009 At Idlewild Park

Honorary Chairman Honorary Public Leader Child Honoree

Mr. Arnold Palmer State Senator Kim Ward Deora Matvey, age 2

Adult Honoree – Mona Britz, a wife and mother of 3 lives in Greensburg

Visit our website westernpennsylvania.arthritis.org to read their stories!

This inaugural event is unique because of the location and season; it will be held during Hallowboo: “It’s the Idlewild you know and love…with a fun, family-oriented, happy Halloween twist!” It is not only a walk, it is a community event where you can learn how you manage your arthritis symptoms and take care of your body so your body takes care of you. Have fun and enjoy the natural beauty of the fall foliage that only the Laurel Highlands can provide. A Chinese auction includes items such as: autographed items from Arnold Palmer and Max Talbot, PartyLite, jewelry, massage certificates, Wii Station and many other unique and useful items.

Event Schedule

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Check-in, Registration, Kids’ and Wellness Activities at the “C” Pavilion Grove

9:00 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. Warm-up exercises and stretching lead by certified Ligonier Valley YMCA instructors

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The walk route will include a double-stroll through Hootin’ Holler and Story Book Forest

10:30 a.m. A costume parade and contest with prizes for all ages – Remember to wear your best Halloween costume or seasonal attire (no adult masks permitted)

10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Awareness/Q&A sessions with Dr. Paul Rosen, Pediatric Rheumatologist with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Michael Ernesty, Doctor of Chiropractic and Physical Therapy care.

Friendly competition makes this fundraising event fun and interactive!

Start or Join A Team – There are now teams who need members or you can start your own team for co-workers, friends or family members. Pre-register, sign-up, donate, and purchase “Hallowboo” tickets online at www.fallwalk.kintera.org before October 2, 2009 to expedite your check-in process.

1-in-3 Pennsylvanians are affected with arthritis. All funds raised will be used for arthritis programs, education, and research. ** All donations are tax-deductible.

Kids’ Activities

A pavilion will be dedicated for kids’ activities and will include Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis coloring and informational sheets, art projects, pumpkin painting, music for dancing provided by Froggy95, a foul-shot contest, guessing games, Wii station, hula hoop games and other physical activities to get kids moving.

Wellness Area/Pavilion

~Bone Density Screening ~Body Mass Index Screening

~Smoking Cessation Education and Information ~Osteoporosis Screening

~Health Risk Assessment ~YMCA Education and Information

~Free massages from a certified Massage Therapist ~Arthritis Foundation Education and Information

~Chiropractor/Physical Therapist Education and Information ~Free topical samples for relief from arthritis pain

Stay for the Day – Discounted “Hallowboo” tickets for Oct. 3rd are available for purchase on our website.

Don’t be Idle…Go Wild in the Highlands!

Pre-register at: www.fallwalk.kintera.org or westernpennsylvania.arthritis.org

Meet our 2009 Fall Arthritis & Wellness Walk Honorees: Deora Matvey – A Beautiful Outlook on Childhood Arthritis and Mona Britz – Arthritis Patient, Mother, and Everyday Inspiration…

afwpapr — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:08:48 +0000

Meet our Fall Walk Honorees: Deora Matvey – A Beautiful Outlook on Childhood Arthritis and Mona Britz – Arthritis Patient, Mother, and Everyday Inspiration… – Ashley Boynes, Community Development Director, WPA Chapter

We have two very special honorees for our 2009 Fall Arthritis and Wellness Walk at Idlewild Park. This walk and wellness event to be held on October 3rd honors not only honorary chairman Arnold Palmer and honorary public leader Senator Kim Ward, but also two very special everyday heroes — Deora Matvey and Mona Britz. Please, read on to learn about their personal stories. Their journeys are complete with triumphs and tribulations, but these arthritis survivors — one of which is only two years old — are positive examples of living with this condition while not letting it define you.

Learn more about their battles with arthritis, their ups and downs, and how they maintain a positive outlook through it all…..

CHILD HONOREE – DEORA MATVEY:

As the parent of a little girl who is not yet 2 years old, you would never expect to hear the words, “your daughter has arthritis.” Far too many people associate arthritis with the elderly, or, at the very least, the middle-aged. However, for children like Deora Matvey and many others, arthritis is a harsh reality of everyday life.

Sadly, some cases of juvenile arthritis are cruel and crippling, forcing children to spend days on end in severe pain and with disabling stiffness and immobility.

Deora was diagnosed at a mere 22 months old. She has been a survivor and an inspiration to her family and loved ones. She maintains a positive attitude in light of her condition, and her sunny disposition is admirable to all. This is why we’ve chosen her as a very special honoree at our inaugural Fall Arthritis and Wellness Walk. On October 3^rd, 2009, we will celebrate Deora – honoring her and raising awareness for this chronic and potentially disabling illness that, sadly, affects 11,500 Pennsylvania children and over 300,000 kids nationally.

Deora was just diagnosed in March, 2009. Sick of seeing her in pain, her parents took her to the doctor in February when they noticed the toddler limping as she walked in the morning. Her health deteriorated, and she especially had a rough time upon waking. The Matveys could not figure out what, exactly, was wrong with their poor child. Not knowing the full extent of her condition, and unable to foresee all of what was going on, the doctors initially diagnosed it as, “growing pains.” Deora’s family accepted this diagnosis, at first, but yet they continued to watch her struggle on a day-to-day basis. When Deora’s grandmother took the little girl to buy new shoes, even the shoe salesperson acknowledged that Deora was favoring her right leg, and, unbeknownst to Deora herself, something was wrong with the way that she walked.

Deora’s pediatrician eventually referred the Matveys to an orthopedic doctor for testing, and when nothing unusual turned up in the x-rays of her knees, leg, and ankle, he referred them to the esteemed pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Rosen at UPMC. Dr. Rosen has luckily been a joy for Deora and her family to work with. It was eventually determined that this sweet child was suffering from a case of polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This is a form of the autoimmune disease, JRA, that affects multiple joints. In addition to the other harsh symptoms that autoimmune diseases can cause, she’s had the joint pain spread from her legs and feet to her wrist, as well, and experiences stiffness all over – causing her to sometimes walk not only with a limp, but also hunched over. Despite it being one of the most common childhood diseases, many people still do not understand juvenile arthritis. Unfortunately, these children become dependent on a multitude of drugs and injections, and often feel like they are alone in their diagnosis. However, Deora is blissfully unaware that she is different from any other child, and continues to lead a full, happy, life as she enjoys a completely normal childhood.

Luckily, she is a strong little girl who, as she grows up, will not let her illness define her. Despite still living with a lot of pain, Deora has been responding fairly well to her medications and is surrounded by a family that loves her dearly. Not all children are so lucky with their treatment and/or support systems. Many end up in wheelchairs before the age of 10 or wind up using other assistive devices. Some days, they may be unable to go out and play with the other kids; many may have to give up activities that they once loved. Arthritis is the leading cause for disability for Americans over the age of 15, and unfortunately some kids, such as our beautiful honoree Deora, have to begin their suffering in the very early stages of life.

While it has been a trying experience for the Matveys and many other families and children who experience Juvenile Arthritis, Deora’s family sees her as a positive, happy little girl, living a normal life. While there has been some sadness in her journey, her strength in overcoming this condition at such an early age is an inspiration to all. These trials have proven Deora to be a strong and optimistic little girl who, in the light of this invisible illness, has been living life to the fullest and dealing with the cards she’s been dealt. Her grandmother claims that the family is very proud of Deora, and her mother says she is happy that they can maintain Deora’s positive disposition. They hope to maintain this sunny and innocent outlook for many years to come; for illness – chronic or not – should never overtake one’s life.

There is hope. If you wish to donate to our Fall Walk in Deora’s honor, please click here or click the “Donate Now” button below. Funds raised go towards creating awareness and contributing to research in the hopes that we can eventually help find a cure for arthritis, helping children and adults live a more healthful, better quality life while living with chronic pain and illness.

ADULT HONOREE – MONA BRITZ:

Our adult honoree, Mona Britz, is a shining example of how to “keep on keeping on” while living with chronic illness, as challenging as it may be.

Mona lives in Greensburg, PA, and is married with 3 children. While being a wife and mother can be a full-time job on its own, she also struggles with Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, she takes each day as it comes, and through all of her trials and tribulations, is able to remain strong, positive, and survive with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can be an absolutely debilitating – and sometimes, stressful — condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is the leading cause for disability in the United States and affects a remarkable 1-in-3 Pennsylvania residents. Mona is one of them. She was diagnosed in November of 2006 and has been struggling with the physical and emotional aspects of her condition ever since. Mona says that she’s had signs of RA in the past – even as young as 8 years old when a Baker’s Cyst was found on the back of her knee. However, it took extreme symptoms for her to get a confirmed diagnosis in her mid-30’s. Luckily, Mona has access to Dr. Larry Moreland, one of the most prestigious rheumatologists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Under his care, Mona has been doing as well as can be expected.

As with any condition, it has been a matter of finding the delicate balance of medications for the patient. However, Mona, like so many of us, has also had difficulty in balancing home and family life with having to travel to the doctors so frequently for treatment, as many RA patients do. For awhile, the difficulty in coordinating her everyday life with scheduling doctors appointments basically stopped Mona from partaking in proper treatment methods. She relapsed and, due to how badly she was struggling, has recently started treatments again. The stress was almost overwhelming. Mona says that she was always prone to anxiety, but that her anxious tendencies and panic attacks worsened with the diagnosis, and seem to really boil over during a flare-up. “I wake up in pain, and when I’m having a flare-up, I panic over how to take care of my kids,” she says. Many people stress over how to cope with an illness like this while also having to care for children, take care of a home, and get through their job and other everyday tasks.

Mona, like many of us who struggled with rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions, had a hard time coping with her diagnosis, at first. While many RA sufferers can deal with the physical pain, the emotional toll it takes is sometimes just as devastating. Thoughts of inadequacy run through your mind when you cannot complete simple daily tasks due to unrelenting pain or debilitating weakness and fatigue. The exhaustion makes you irritable, and you may lash out at your loved ones. In caring for a family or household, it may become overwhelming to care for others when you have to constantly care for yourself. Living with a chronic condition can be difficult, and it is important to stay strong. Mona had difficulty in dealing with her diagnosis initially, but, despite admittedly still struggling, she has really come around.

She has been on a vast array of medications. Through her plethora of treatments, she’s found some solace in Simponi, a monthly injectable biologic drug and was recently put on sulfasalazine. She has seen some impact with the Simponi but hopes for further improvement as her treatment continues on. While she still definitely suffers pain and other symptoms associated with RA (such as fatigue and gastrointestinal problems), Mona stays focused on healing, and finds strength from her family.

Please click here or click the “Donate Now” button below to make a walk donation in honor of Mona.

With the support of the community, we can help strong women, men, and children like Mona and countless others, cope with this disabling illness. The public should know that many RA patients and others with similar conditions suffer silently – wanting to uphold the appearance of being a pillar of strength, all the while crumbling inside. Chronic conditions such as RA and other physical disabilities or autoimmune conditions are actually closely linked with depression. In fact, joint pain and other symptoms tend to overlap. It is important that we be educated not only on the physical ailments associated with arthritis and related conditions, but also on the toll that it takes mentally and emotionally on the patient.

So many of us live day to day with a smile on our faces, staying strong for ourselves and the ones that we love. However, like Mona, many of us have a hard time — for living with chronic disease is never easy. However, you can help.

By joining our walk or donating to the cause, you can further raise awareness and contribute to arthritis research.

In addition to Deora, our child honoree, as well as our honorary chair, golf legend Arnold Palmer, and highly regarded public leader, Senator Kim Ward, we are proud to have Mona Britz – an everyday hero -- as one of our esteemed honorees at the inaugural Arthritis & Wellness Fall Walk at Idlewild Park. Why don’t you start or join a team, or donate in her honor? For more information, please visit, http://fallwalk.kintera.org

I hope that you’ve enjoyed reading about these two lovely ladies. Deora’s happy-go-lucky attitude and Mona’s strength are wonderful examples of overcoming in the face of adversity.

As always, thank you for reading — and comments are welcome!

Be well,

~Ashley Boynes

Community Development Director

WPA Chapter

2009 Fall Arthritis & Wellness Walk at Idlewild Park

afwpapr — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:07:44 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Emily Cope

Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter

(412) 566-1645

ecope@arthritis.org

2009 Fall Arthritis & Wellness Walk at Idlewild Park

Ligonier, PA – The Arthritis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter will host the 2009 Fall Arthritis & Wellness Walk at Idlewild Park on Saturday, October 3^rd beginning at 8:00am with legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer, serving as the Honorary Chairman and State Senator, Kim Ward, as the Honorary Public Leader.

The 3-mile walk will wind its way twice through an entertaining part of one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, Idlewild Park’s Hootin’ Holler and Story Book Forest. The wellness portion will run throughout the entire event from 8:00am-11:30am. After the walk, participants are invited to join the Arthritis Foundation for a costume parade and contest with prizes for all ages beginning at 10:30am. Adult masks are not permitted. Planned are kids’ activities, prizes & giveaways, wellness tables for arthritis, nutrition, orthopedics, physical therapy & massage. Immediately following the costume parade will be an Awareness Session with Dr. Paul Rosen, Pediatric Rheumatologist with Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC, and Dr. Michael Ernesty, Doctor of Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Care.

Stay with us after the Walk and Wellness Event to enjoy a Family and Friend Day at Hallowboo. “It’s the Idlewild you know and love… with a fun, family-oriented, happy Halloween twist!” Hallowboo tickets can be earned for raising $100 or more or are available for purchase online for a discounted price of $15.99 for adults and $14.99 for seniors and kids. A portion of the ticket sale proceeds will benefit the Arthritis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Please visit www.fallwalk.kintera.org for walk and ticket information.

Deora Matvey, age 2 from Plum, Pa, is the child honoree. She was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis just 2 months shy of her second birthday. With hardly any complaints, Deora’s daily routine begins with a morning hot bath and leg exercises given to her by her loving and supportive family. Pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Paul Rosen explains, “Many people do not realize that arthritis can affect children as young as age 1-2 years. Deora serves as a reminder that small children can suffer with arthritis. This is all the more reason we need to work hard on improving treatments.” Both young and inspiring, she is the reminder to us all that kids get arthritis too.

The adult honoree, Mona Britz, from Greensburg, PA was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in November 2006. Married with 3 children, the joint pain and extreme fatigue that she experiences makes managing her condition a struggle. After being diagnosed, Mona began seeing a doctor who traveled to Greensburg once a week. Unfortunately, lack of appointment times and scheduling conflicts discouraged Mona from continuing her medicine and treating her condition up until recently. She just began treating her rheumatoid arthritis again with a monthly self-injectable biologic that gives her disease momentary improvement.

Thank you to our local leadership sponsors Excela Health, Froggy 95, YMCA, Castiva, and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. These businesses and organizations understand the importance of giving back to the community and working together to improve the quality of life for the vast number of Westmoreland County residents affected, directly or indirectly, by some form of arthritis. Sponsors are always welcomed and appreciated to help the Arthritis Foundation promote and fund healthy living, educational information and arthritis management.

Proceeds from the event will support research and programs for the 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians and over 11,500 children in Pennsylvania diagnosed with arthritis and related diseases. The Arthritis Foundation’s Western Pennsylvania Chapter provides services to more than 10,000 people each year. The Arthritis Foundation provides educational materials on various forms of the disease, medications and other treatment options. Community education programs also help people learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease early and encourage prompt treatment to limit disability from arthritis. You may contact the Arthritis Foundation, WPA Chapter at 412-566-1645 or by visiting www.arthritis.org, keyword: Pittsburgh.

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