Category Archives: Events

The California Coast Classic Is a Family Affair for These Riders

Six Kennedys put their mettle to the pedal at this year’s 21st annual bike tour in support of family and millions who have arthritis.

What has more than 500 wheels and legs, covers 525 miles in eight days and raises more than $1 million for arthritis? It’s the award-winning Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bike Tour, presented by Amgen! This year’s 21st annual ride — along California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) from San Francisco to Los Angeles — includes six members of one family. “Team Chrissie” members are four brothers and two sons — Philip, David, John, Charles, and David’s sons, Kiel and Brandon Kennedy. They are riding to honor John’s wife, Christine “Chrissie” Parker-Kennedy, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 30 years, and Charles’ wife, Malia, who has had two knees replaced due to osteoarthritis. They also ride to raise awareness and funds to support vital resources and research for their extended family and the more than 54 million other Americans living with the daily challenges of arthritis.

We recently caught up with Team Chrissie during their ride prep to find out what keeps their wheels spinning.

Q: What are your top three reasons for riding the California Coast Classic (CCC)?

David, an 8-year CCC veteran: Thirteen years back, I was interested in a supported ride down the coast. I found the CCC, and I haven’t looked back. 1) It is a spectacular ride with fabulous support. 2) The cause. Supporting the Arthritis Foundation is so worthy. One of the programs that truly touched me was the summer camping program for children with arthritis, regardless of their level of abilities. 3) The people — folks do this ride for a variety of reasons. Many have some type of arthritis. The level of commitment and camaraderie is heart-warming. Every ride, I make new friends and renew old friendships.

Philip, team captain: I agree. Supporting the cause and my brother’s wife, Chris Parker-Kennedy, make it all the more meaningful.

“Having lived with RA for 30 years now, I am well aware of the need for research into this disease. Much progress has been made and the Arthritis Foundation has been unwaveringly supportive and encouraging. The fact that my brothers-in-law, my nephews and my husband are taking on this incredible commitment to ride in my name is about as heartwarming as it can get. Thank you.  “

— Christine Parker-Kennedy

Q: What made you all want to ride together? 

Brandon: The extended Kennedy family is a close-knit bunch. I’m only surprised more didn’t join in!

Philip: We are a very close family and wouldn’t consider doing it any other way.

Charles: And it just seems like a great way to spend some quality time with my brothers and nephews. Plus, John and David can be quite pushy! [John has ridden the CCC three times.]

Q: How much training have you done to prepare for the ride? 

Brandon: Riding three to five times a week, varying in intensity.

Kiel: I’ve been running daily for about a year, but no bike riding. Recently, my girlfriend and I joined “the cult” of Peloton, though, so I’ll be putting some hard miles in on that thing!

Q: What have you found to be most successful when it comes to fundraising for the CCC?

Kiel: Just putting it on Facebook got me a fair amount of donations right out of the gate. People want to help out. It’s nice.

 Q: What about the ride are you looking forward to most?

John: The start of the daily ride!

Brandon: I’m looking forward to the entire event! Really, what I’m looking forward to most is the simplicity of the experience. Wake up, ride, sleep. Rinse, repeat. Having the opportunity to do just that over hundreds of miles with people I love supporting a cause I care about is going to be a real highlight.

Kiel: Hanging with my fam.

David: Well, this year is incredibly special. Riding with two of my sons, together with three of my brothers, is insane. Doesn’t get any better.

Charles: The camaraderie with my brothers and nephews.

 Q: If you’ve ridden the CCC in the past, what have you gained from the experience? 

David: Riding the CCC affirms to me the goodness of people. When we are raising money for the Foundation, people truly like the idea of supporting the Foundation. And I see examples of the goodness every day on the ride, too.

 Q: What makes the CCC so special?

John: Highway 1!

David: The route. The route. And the route. It’s incomparable.

 Q: What’s the funniest or craziest thing that has happened during the CCC or one of your training rides?

David: Brother John and I were riding together in Butte County. John rides a tricycle, with two wheels in front and a large drive wheel in the back. We were coming down a country road, when John made a left turn and unintentionally rode up on an opossum literally walking across the road. The opossum was as startled as John, and it took off running as fast as it could — between the front wheels. It kept this up for the time it took John to bring his trike to a stop, at which time the opossum was able to make its escape. Have you ever seen an opossum gallop?

Brandon: Craziest thing for me has just been the general realization that I’m physically capable of using my own human power to travel for hundreds of miles.

 Q: What advice would you offer to anyone considering doing the in-person or remote ride? 

Philip: Just commit, start fundraising and allow others to hold you accountable not only to your monetary goal but also your training goal.

Charles: Just stick to it! Riding with a buddy or finding a local club would no doubt help with the motivation factor.

John: Just do it!

Get the California Coast Classic Experience
Whether you’re a beginner, riding an electronic bike, or an experienced roadie who likes to race, you, too, can get the California Coast Classic experience. This year it will take place Sept. 18 to 25. And you now have options — ride the fully supported tour in California or the RR X CCC, a remote ride of your choosing done at your leisure. Ride your local roads, on a trainer, at your vacation spot or down a mountain — all at your own pace. Cycle 525 miles or any distance and log each ride via a fitness app while connecting with a vibrant ride community for support, tips, motivation, rewards and lots of fun. Register now or learn more about the California Coast Classic (CCC) and watch the official CCC video. Got questions? Check out the FAQ page. If volunteering is more your speed, visit the CCC volunteers page.

Walk To Cure Arthritis Blog Header

Today is the Day – Join the Walk to Cure Arthritis!

Over the past year, the pandemic has created countless challenges for everyone. The arthritis community, in particular, has experienced enormous obstacles — from the physical to the emotional, be it limitations to accessible treatments or the increased anxiety and depression spurred by stress, the toll has been unprecedented for the 54 million Americans including 300,000 children living with arthritis. But unique times also create unique opportunities. Now, more than ever, the impact of your support and participation in the Arthritis Foundation’s hallmark annual event — the Walk to Cure Arthritis — can have life-changing results. Continue reading Today is the Day – Join the Walk to Cure Arthritis!

2020 Evening of Honors Highlights:

Recognizing Special Arthritis Foundation Volunteers in 2021

The Arthritis Foundation’s Conference of Champions — an annual gathering of volunteers, partners and other supporters — was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. But we thought it was very important to recognize some phenomenal achievements in the past year, despite the challenges everyone faced. So, belatedly, we held our 2020 Evening of Honors ceremony on Jan. 15, 2021 — live, virtually, online. Continue reading 2020 Evening of Honors Highlights:

World Arthritis Day 2020

It’s time to remind the world that arthritis is a real disease that reduces quality of life.

Oct. 12, 2020, is World Arthritis Day. This observance calls global attention to a complex, multifaceted disease that evidence shows is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with both physical and emotional impacts. But for much of the world, it’s still an invisible disease. Continue reading World Arthritis Day 2020

National Sponsors Help to Make This Year’s Virtual Walk to Cure Arthritis a Big Success

This year, the Arthritis Foundation decided to move our flagship fundraising event, Walk to Cure Arthritis (WTCA), to the online space. The fight for arthritis research and a cure never quits, even when the world seems to be at a standstill. That’s why we were so excited to share this virtual experience with our arthritis family! Over 35,000 people watched the event live on Facebook, helping us raise millions in donations for the fight to cure arthritis. Continue reading National Sponsors Help to Make This Year’s Virtual Walk to Cure Arthritis a Big Success

Virtual Walk Event Will Be a Lifeline for People With Arthritis

Volunteer Helen King shares her perspective and wisdom on Connecting & Staying Active Virtually in the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

 Helen King has a good read on the pulse of the arthritis community these days. She has been a major volunteer for our cause since being diagnosed with an aggressive case of rheumatoid arthritis six years ago. The pain and accompanying symptoms she experienced, like intense fatigue, were often unbearable. Today, she still battles occasional flares, as well as mental and emotional challenges, but her treatment regimen helps manage her condition.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Helen — who leads a local Live Yes! Connect Group in the Philadelphia area (eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey) — has experienced the pandemic’s impact herself and has heard from others with arthritis about how the crisis has affected them.

“Perhaps a silver-lining in this situation is there’s greater awareness about those who are immune-compromised and at greater risk of the coronavirus,” says Helen. “It’s also wonderful that we have technology today to connect virtually, which didn’t exist 20 years ago.” Her local group of about 100 members has been connecting online to offer each other support during these trying times.

Helen King (center) doing Walk to Cure Arthritis with her son Nick Geckle and co-worker Sarah Hargett

Helen is a dedicated volunteer, not only facilitating her local support group, but also chairing the local Arthritis Foundation leadership board and representing patients as a Platinum Ambassador in advocacy efforts. Last year, she was national honoree for the walk event, and she keeps plowing ahead. Since 2017, she and her Walk to Cure Arthritis team have raised over $200,000 through donations and sponsorships.

“Our commitment, as donors and volunteers, is what helps keeps the Arthritis Foundation’s work going,” Helen says. “We need to fuel the connections the Foundation makes possible, like local Live Yes! Connect Groups and the 24/7 Online Community. Right now, we need dependable information about exercising, eating right and other tips. Advocacy actions are vital to addressing possible drug shortages and other barriers. And licensed social workers at the Foundation’s Helpline help with insurance concerns, local resource referrals and connecting with others who know what living with arthritis is like.”

This year’s Virtual Walk to Cure Arthritis will be different, but Helen emphasizes that the event is more important than ever. “All of us are working hard with the Arthritis Foundation to make this a successful connective event. On May 16, we’re going to rally together and raise awareness and funds for vital research, resources and connections.”

The May 16 Facebook Live event, at 4 p.m. ET, will feature specialists like dieticians and rheumatologists — plus, many Arthritis Warriors and Champions of Yes who have stories and tips to share to inspire us all.

“We will learn and grow, be creative and innovative, raise more awareness and funds,” says Helen. “We hope everyone will Share Their 54, on behalf of the 54 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis. Tell 54 others about this fundraiser. Do 54 stretches, walk 54 steps or whatever activity you can do to stay healthy. Give or raise $54 to support our mission. What if the 54 million Americans diagnosed with arthritis gave just $1? That would throw a lifeline to those living with arthritis and other chronic diseases.”

Helen also hopes everyone will consider putting some of the money they’re not spending right now toward this fundraiser. “The hair coloring or manicures/pedicures you can’t have right now, other things you have to skip, saving money on gas and tolls. Every dollar counts to keep these crucial services going.”

Helen likens the COVID-19 battle everyone has experienced these past several weeks with the challenges people who have arthritis encounter daily. Feeling isolated. The sleeplessness, extra stress, anxiety and depression many of us encounter. Being concerned about going out and getting exposed, as a high-risk individual, while picking up groceries and medications … and taking care of other pressing needs.

“This is how arthritis patients already live,” she says. “There’s just an extra layer to it all now, bringing increased stress, which can cause more arthritis flares. The connections we can make are invaluable, thanks to the Arthritis Foundation. We will eventually get past this current crisis. But arthritis will still be here. We still need to conquer it. And now is the time to really step up to this challenge.”

Listen now to the Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast to hear more from Helen King on Connecting and Staying Active Virtually.

If you haven’t already, join the Live Yes! Arthritis Network for FREE. Arthritis Awareness Month in May is a great time to speak out, donate to our cause and share what you’ve experienced. Help change the future of arthritis.

JA Conference Registration

JA Conference Registration and Travel Awards Are Now Open!

Register early and save! Year after year, the Arthritis Foundation’s National Juvenile Arthritis Conference has brought kids with rheumatic diseases and their families together for a weekend full of education, inspiration and connection with others on a similar journey. Join us this summer as two conferences become one epic event. Whether you are new to the JA Conference or returning, we invite you to join us in Orlando at JA Conference 2020.

For many families, it may not be feasible to plan for a weekend conference that might include extensive travel. To help with these travel costs, the Arthritis Foundation is pleased to offer limited financial assistance to families wishing to attend the JA Conference who meet certain criteria. The 2020 JA Conference Travel Awards applications are open to children/teens and their families (up to 4 people), and young adults (ages 18 – 30).

Click here to learn more about the JA Conference Travel Award Program.

2020 JA Conference Travel Awards applications close on February 28.

FAQs:

  1. How long does it take to complete a Travel Awards application?

The form is relatively quick and painless, but we’d recommend setting aside about  20 minutes to complete it. All information is relevant to the application and review process, and we want to make sure we are getting complete information.

  1. Are Travel Awards solely based on fundraising activities?

No! While we do ask about any fundraising you and your family may have done throughout the year, this is not the sole criteria for receiving a Travel Award. Applicants are scored by an independent committee on various levels of engagement with the Arthritis Foundation – whether you’re an Advocate, Platinum Ambassador, committee volunteer or participate in local events.

Testimonials from some of our recent attendees and Travel Award recipients:

“We were so thrilled to be able to take part in this year’s Seattle conference. Had it not been for our scholarship, we would never have been able to afford the trip. We made new friends, understand Lana’s disease—and potential treatments/coping strategies—better, and were blessed to have had Lana participate in a group project/experience that we believe she will remember for the rest of her life. Our son has more compassion and understanding for his sister now, too. Thank you for making such a positive impact on our lives.”

“On behalf of our family, I would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for providing us with a travel award to come to the Juvenile Arthritis Conference this year in D.C.  My daughter was diagnosed with oligoarticular JIA five years ago.  We had heard about how wonderful the JA Conference was but had never been able to work out our schedule to attend until this year. We knew that it would going to be an amazing experience for our family, but we had no idea how life-changing it would be. Being parents of a child with JIA can be very isolating, especially when you only know a handful of other families like you. I can’t put into words how it felt to be in a room full of hundreds of people who understand our story and have lived through what we live through. We truly felt for the first time that we were not alone.”

“A small light is turned on into your darkness when you connect with the Arthritis Foundation. Opportunities are presented to you for learning, connecting and managing this new road. Your light becomes a little brighter with each new opportunity. One day you learn about the national conference and your now 11-year-old gets overwhelmingly excited about the idea of attending. You want to be excited too, yet you understand you just can’t afford to go at this time. You decide to take a chance and apply for the travel awards and you say a little prayer as you send it off in hopes that somehow, someway, it will happen for your daughter. Then one day an email arrives, and you learn that your family was chosen to attend, and tears of joy flow freely in your home when you see the light in your daughter’s eyes. Conference was simply amazing.”

“We received travel awards the first few years and was the primary reason for us going to our first conference back in 2011. It was just me and the boys. From the moment of registration and the opening evening, I knew the JA Conference was going to be life-changing. We went home and told [my husband] we were going the next year so he could experience what we had. It proved so beneficial for him the next year because he was still somewhat in denial of [our son’s] JA. The information we’ve received has been so helpful, but the connections we’ve all made have been life-changing. We have a HUGE JA family now. I’m so thankful for that first scholarship and what it’s done for our family.”

The 2020 JA Conference will take place on July 23-26, 2020, in Orlando, Florida, at the Renaissance Orlando at Sea World. Early-bird Conference Registration is already open if you are not applying for a Travel Award.

For the latest news and updates, be sure to check the JA Conference website and follow along on our Facebook page!

If you have additional questions about JA Conference Travel Awards, please contact Katie Bitner at kbitner@arthritis.org or 470-588-0710.

Live Yes RA

2019 Live Yes! RA

2019 Live Yes! RA is a personalized goal-setting event brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. This free forum gives you the opportunity to learn ways that can help you say Yes more than No, despite the challenges of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). You’ll get expert advice from a local rheumatologist plus guidance on setting goals that can help you live life to the fullest. Let us help you manage your RA, as well as communicate effectively with your own doctor.

Event registrations open weekly, so please check back often!