Tag Archives: Jingle Bell Run

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

kate wingate jbr youth honoree

Kate Wingate, Jingle Bell Run National Youth Honoree

From Kate Wingate

My name is Kate Wingate and I’m from Greensboro, North Carolina. On the outside, I look like a normal 13-year-old girl, but I have juvenile arthritis (JA).  Arthritis is a disease that doesn’t present in a way that you might think, and unless I’m having a flare, no one would ever know.  I’ve had JA since I was 18-months-old, so I can’t remember what it feels like to not have pain in my joints.

Continue reading Kate Wingate, Jingle Bell Run National Youth Honoree

allison alberts jia wisconsin youth jbr honoree

Champion of Yes: A Three Sport Athlete, Allison Alberts Charges Forward Through Arthritis Pain

For 17-year-old Allison Alberts of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, waking up with pain is an everyday occurrence for her. Some days the pain is manageable and can be helped along by a hot shower or a run to loosen up her body. Other days, Allison might struggle to get out of bed and looks to her father, Jamie, to help her walk or give her joints a comforting massage.

“There are many days I wish I could be normal, let alone feel normal for a day – a day without any pain, “says Allison. “But complaining does nothing. Complaining won’t take away the pain and complaining won’t allow my fingers to look normal. The way I go about my day is to let my arthritis and my body know that they will not stop me.”

Continue reading Champion of Yes: A Three Sport Athlete, Allison Alberts Charges Forward Through Arthritis Pain

Max Larsen Jingle Bell Run

Unique Fundraiser Pays Off for National Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree Max Larsen

Jingle Bell Run Max Larsen
Max Larsen

When Max Larsen wants to raise funds to cure arthritis, he goes all out. As the 2016 National Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree, Max and Team to the MAX held one of his largest and the nation’s most unique fundraisers on October 8. Max’s annual fundraiser, Big Ox Plop Bingo, raised funds to get him closer to his $50,000 fundraising goal and 75 people joined his team!
Continue reading Unique Fundraiser Pays Off for National Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree Max Larsen

Erika Mitchell Jingle Bell Run

Gifted Athlete Won’t Let Arthritis Stop Her – Becomes Hammer Throw Champ

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Erika Mitchell never thought she’d have to make lemonade. As a talented high school track star, she was recruited to Alabama State University to compete in the heptathlon – a track and field competition that involves numerous running, jumping and throwing events.
Continue reading Gifted Athlete Won’t Let Arthritis Stop Her – Becomes Hammer Throw Champ

JBR National Honoree Joanna Helon

National Adult Jingle Bell Run Honoree Joanna Helon Fosters Hope

33 — that’s the number of years Joanna Helon has had arthritis. The kicker? She’s only 40.

For 21 of those years, Joanna has channeled her energy into the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. Through medications, treatments, inflammation, pain and some frustration, Joanna has leveraged the 5K as a platform to gather friends, raise awareness, and most importantly, raise money to support the Arthritis Foundation.
Continue reading National Adult Jingle Bell Run Honoree Joanna Helon Fosters Hope