Tag Archives: arthritis awareness

Shane Cox_Stories of Yes

No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 10 Years Old

Support the Arthritis Foundation and the 54 million Americans with arthritis.

Meet Shane Cox

When you meet Shane Cox of Petaluma, California, his quiet, calm demeanor gives little away about this young man. But whether he is speaking as an honoree at his local Jingle Bell Run or at the California Coast Classic, it’s easy to realize he has experienced more in his young life than most his age. Continue reading No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 10 Years Old

No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 8 Years Old

Support the Arthritis Foundation and the 54 million Americans with arthritis.

Meet Cassidy Middleton

Cassidy Middleton is a happy, thriving 8-year-old who has a loving affinity for Minnie Mouse and spending her days horseback riding in the warm, Tucson, Arizona, sun.

In December 2013, Cassidy was diagnosed with autism, and that’s when the Middleton family’s world changed. Most weeks were filled with therapists and appointments, and just when things started to settle down, Cassidy’s mother, Kari, noticed Cassidy was a “bit knock-kneed” and “walking funny” for a 3-year-old. After consulting with their pediatrician, who referred the family to a pediatric rheumatologist, Cassidy was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA). Continue reading No One Should Be in Debilitating Pain, Especially at 8 Years Old

james-bradbury

NFL Player James Bradberry’s Grandmother Inspires for Charity

Grandmother Plays Catch with NFL Player James Bradberry…and Inspires Him to Take a Stand Against Arthritis (and Put It on His Cleats)

James Bradberry grew up near Birmingham, Ala. with his mom and younger sister and grandmother nearby. Born with a love for sports and natural talent, he excelled at football in high school and then was recruited by Arkansas State University’s football team. But his Southern roots called him home, so he transferred to Samford University and was later drafted by the NFL Carolina Panthers, starting 12 out of 16 games his first year. Continue reading NFL Player James Bradberry’s Grandmother Inspires for Charity

charcandrick west jia

Every Catch Deserves a Touchdown Dance

Charcandrick West, professional football player with Louisiana roots, gets real about what keeps him going, how no hurdle is too high and why he likes to win on and off the field.

Q1: When did you realize you wanted to play football professionally?

I don’t remember the first moment I grasped a football, but the second I did, probably around age 6, I was hooked. I still remember being a kid, looking up from the field and seeing my mom and dad cheer me on. It was a thrill to know I was making people in the stands happy by giving the game my all.

I knew that I had the “it” factor – and my parents believed in me, too, which made all the difference in the world. My goal was to leave my legacy in my hometown of Cullen, Louisiana, and graduate to the “bigs.”

Continue reading Every Catch Deserves a Touchdown Dance

From Coast to Coast: A Birthday Challenge Leads to Awareness, Funds for Arthritis

Tom Baltes arthritisA love of cycling seems to run in Tom Baltes’ family. Unfortunately, arthritis does, too.

As one of five children, Tom has watched as two of his siblings have been diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and another has had two hip replacements. Tom has osteoarthritis (OA).

“I was first diagnosed with OA in my left knee and lower spine when I retired from the military,” recalls Tom. “I’m a lucky man in that I have not been particularly bothered by arthritis, but my siblings have really struggled with pain. My arthritis is very minimal compared to what they go through.”

Continue reading From Coast to Coast: A Birthday Challenge Leads to Awareness, Funds for Arthritis

Miss Tennessee Arthritis Awareness

Crowning Achievement: Miss Tennessee Champions Arthritis Awareness

The use of her hands is incredibly important to Hannah Robison. As the reigning Miss Tennessee, her talent is playing the piano. As a chemistry major in college, she is constantly writing and using her hands in the lab. So when she developed pain in her hands, she initially chalked the pain up to overuse.

“I didn’t think much about it at first, but then the pain moved from my knuckles into my wrists,” says Hannah. “Then the doctor told me that no matter how long I’d been playing the piano, at my age, I still shouldn’t be in pain.”

After many tests and appointments, Hannah still doesn’t have a concrete diagnosis for her pain. That hasn’t stopped her from becoming a huge supporter of the Arthritis Foundation. Continue reading Crowning Achievement: Miss Tennessee Champions Arthritis Awareness

Matthew Mooney Why We Give

Awareness, Community and a Cure: Why We Give

Going to overnight camp for the first time is a major milestone in a child’s life — often one that is more difficult for the parents than the child, admits Matt Mooney, a volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation.

“I think sending Katherine to camp was a little harder on me and her mom,” says Matt. “Katherine ran right in to play with her friends.”

Diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) at just two years old, Matt’s daughter Katherine, now six, is attending the Arthritis Foundation’s Camp AcheAway for the first time. Camp AcheAway is an overnight camp in Georgia created specifically for children who are living with JA.

Continue reading Awareness, Community and a Cure: Why We Give