Walking for awareness

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Walking for awareness

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April 18, 2008

Brewer has been named the Arthritis Foundation Honoree-Youth

Ambassador for the 2008 walk.

Brewer awoke every morning with stiffness and severe back pain. It

wasn't until 2005 that she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. Since her

diagnosis, the 18-year-old Brewer has made it her mission to raise awareness

for people suffering from the debilitating disease.

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the nation, with more than

46 million people, or one in five adults, and nearly 30,000 children

suffering from the disease. Each year, arthritis costs the United States

economy nearly $128 billion, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Brewer has volunteered with the Arthritis Walk in burg for three

years, twice raising the most funds as a youth - $600 in 2005 and $700 in

2006.

For the 2008 walk, scheduled for April 26, Brewer has been named the

Arthritis Foundation Honoree-Youth Ambassador for her community service as a

positive role model, encouraging education and fundraising for arthritis.

The Arthritis Walk features one- and three-mile courses, with activities for

the entire family. Participants walk in honor of a friend or family member

with arthritis. Participants with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their

action in taking control of their condition.

Since being diagnosed, Brewer has received the town Eagle Award for

overcoming a significant obstacle, empowering others through community

involvement and obtaining high standards in academics.

Since her birth, Brewer has had to overcome several hardships and obstacles.

She was born 10 weeks premature, and has had four abdominal surgeries to

help her deal with acid reflux.

" I'm really honored. This is a big step for me, to help with the fundraiser

and to help spread awareness. There's definitely more visibility to be in

charge of helping get more volunteers. I'm blessed, " said Brewer.

For the 2008 walk, Brewer hopes to raise $1,500. She will collect the money

by going door-to-door and asking for donations from families in

neighborhoods and local businesses.

" I don't allow my arthritis to rule my life. Some days it's hard, but I want

others to see that if I can do it, so can they, " said Brewer.

In addition to participating and fundraising for the Arthritis Walk, Brewer

is involved in several other community projects.

The City High School student is a math tutor for algebra and AP

calculus, a member of the National Honor Society and her school's Key Club,

a member of Mu Alpha Theta and more.

" Even if it's the smallest thing I can do to help, I want to do it. My mom

has had so many things happen in her life with lupus. She helps me with my

homework, even when she didn't feel well, " said Brewer. " She's a single

parent, and she's been in and out of the hospital, but has always been there

to help me. "

The fundraising and community service Brewer is involved in daily has shaped

Brewer into who she is today.

" It has given me more patience, " she said. " I think I have matured in a way.

I've realized what I do have, because there are people with arthritis worse

off than me, so if I can be an encouraging face, that's great. "

Brewer traveled to California on April 4-5 to attend a Genentech conference.

Genentech is considered the founder of the biotechnology industry, using

human genetic information to discover, develop, manufacture and

commercialize biotherapeutics that address significant unmet medical needs.

Genentech has multiple products on the market for serious or

life-threatening medical conditions.

While attending the conference, Brewer took part in the Patient Advisory

Board, where doctors and researchers asked questions to find out more about

arthritis patients and the number of medications they're on for pain.

" I really want to help spread awareness. This disease doesn't discriminate

against age or race. I would like to be able to help people move forward,

and to let people know that just because you have it doesn't mean you have

to stop living, " said Brewer.

After high school, Brewer plans to attend the University of Virginia to

pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. Once she's completed her four

years, she plans on possibly attending medical school.

" Having a mom that never stops, despite her illness, and seeing a person

with so much will to live, instills faith, " Brewer said. " It's all about

helping others who've been diagnosed with this disease and raising

awareness, so that arthritis can be detected early and people can learn to

cope. You've just got to keep going. "

2008 Arthritis Walk in burg

The walk will be April 26 in New Town. To participate in the Arthritis Walk,

volunteer or form a team, contact the Arthritis Foundation toll-free at

1-877-232-2898 or visit, www.arthritis.org. The Web site features

information on nearly 350 Arthritis Walk events across the country.