Walk in the rain

[Guest guest]

Walk in the rain

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/living/s_570515.html

Herchko, 7, of Connellsville, was an inspiration Saturday during the

2008 Arthritis Walk at Lynch Field in Greensburg. She walked in the rain and

pushed through the pain of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

practiced all week to be able to make the one-mile lap alongside her

brother, athan Herchko, 13, and her mother, Amy Porter.

Arthritis Foundation Western Pennsylvania Chapter President Marty Tiani said

it is a little-known fact that thousands of young children are diagnosed

with it each year, and there are only 160 doctors in the country who treat

it.

" Most people think arthritis is an old person's disease, but two-thirds of

sufferers are under 65, " Tiani said.

Fortunately for Herchko, who was diagnosed at age 2, Children's Hospital of

Pittsburgh has the second-largest pediatric rheumutology clinic in the

United States.

On Saturday, more than $5,000 dollars was raised by about 50 walkers, and

Kathi Finch, senior director of development, said all of it will benefit

arthritis research.

Deanna Spadaro, 38, of Export, who has rheumatoid arthritis, said without

weekly injections of special drugs, she would not be able to get out of bed.

Many volunteers at the walk said they recognize the need for arthritis

research because their loved ones suffer from it, including Dusty and

Sherri Fagan.

Major sponsors this year were Dollar Bank, Centecor and Humana, an insurance

company that offers plans for people with arthritis. Staff members Rita

Bealko, Silvana Gasbarro, Al Morbak and Jeff Berlingeri handed out water

bottles to the walkers.

The Arthritis Foundation and Excela Health are offering a free seminar about

arthritis on June 19 in Jeannette.

Dr. Deborah Co will be the speaker. For reservations, call 412-566-1645,

ext. 14.

-- Miele, WTAE