SPRINGFIELD, Ore. Taking charge against arthritis

May 22, 2011

Taking charge against arthritis

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. "

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