Re: SPRINGFIELD, Ore. Taking charge against arthritis

[Guest guest]

Ah yes, I know Sam. Met her when she was a toddler. Her mother, Amy, and I met

on this listserve so many years ago. Sam has grown into a very poised, young

woman. (n, 22, systemic)

Sent from my iPhone

On May 22, 2011, at 6:48 PM, " Georgina " <gmckin11@...> wrote:

> Taking charge against arthritis

> http://www.kval.com/news/health/122390274.html

>

> By Koopmans KVAL News

> Story Published: May 21, 2011 at 5:48 PM PDT

>

> SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- Sheldon High School student athlete Herr said

> sports have always been a part of his life.

>

> " I've always loved sports, " said Herr. " I play football, basketball, and

> baseball in high school. "

>

> Herr is an otherwise typical teen, young and full of energy, with the

> exception of that he's one of 300 thousand juveniles across the nation who

> is living with arthritis.

>

> " During my sophomore year my back started to hurt and that took me out, "

> said Herr. " We started doing tests and found that I have forms of

> arthritis. "

>

> Doctors diagnosed Herr with arthritis in his ankle and spine, but on Sunday

> he didn't let physical limitations stop him from walking in the 2011

> Arthritis Walk in Springfield.

>

> Thirteen year old Fox, who is also living with arthritis, joined

> Herr as a grand marshal of the walk.

>

> Fox raised $2,125 through the walk and said that money will go toward

> arthritis research and education.

>

> " They haven't really found out why we get it or how we get it, " said Fox.

> " They just know we do. "

>

> Overall, walkers raised over $13,600 that will go toward the Arthritis

> Foundation, an organization which addresses the needs of 50 million

> Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of

> disability.

>

> According to the Oregon Department of Public Health, arthritis is a major

> public health issue in this state affecting 26% of Oregon adults. The

> department reports that possible joint arthritis has been more than double

> since 2005 and that It is estimated that over 1.8 million adults in Oregon

> have arthritis or chronic joint symptoms.

>

> While only 2% of Oregon youth are affected by arthritis, those suffering

> from the disease said that doesn't make it any less important.

>

> " Arthritis can affect anyone young or old, " said Herr. " You probably know

> someone who has arthritis. "

>

>