Sunday, March 8, 2009

Reese's Run

You may recall that I decided to join the Joints in Motion Team for the Barbados Marathon with my friend Christy. The purpose of the marathon is to raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Society. After running over 10 marathons, and dozens of other races, I really feel that I want to give back to the sport that has given so much to me.

Why Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that impacts many, but doesn’t receive as many donations or public awareness opportunities as other charities. Unfortunately, arthritis is also a disease that impacts many children.


My Arthritis Hero
Although I know many adults that suffer from Arthritis, there is nothing worse than a child suffering chronic pain. For this reason, I chose my friend Christy’s beautiful daughter Reese as my hero. Reese suffers from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.



Reese is not alone as a child with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Here is an excerpt from a press release from the Arthritis Society.


Affecting about 1 in 1,000 Canadians under the age of 16, juvenile arthritis (JA) is a leading chronic disease among kids in this country. The Arthritis Society uses Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month in March to heighten awareness of this disease and to raise much-needed funds for research that will find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
“Arthritis is a crushing reality for many children in Canada; it’s not just their parents or grandparents who are at risk,” says Dr. Brian Feldman, Vice Chair of The Arthritis Society’s Medical Advisory Committee and a paediatric rheumatologist at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. “The course of juvenile arthritis is unpredictable. Painful flare-ups may occur without warning and the child has to undergo a rigorous, time-consuming and sometimes unpleasant treatment program.”
Juvenile arthritis is the result of the body’s immune system not working properly. The immune system fails to recognize healthy body tissue and attacks it. Symptoms include excruciating pain and inflammation in the joints. Depending on the severity of the arthritis, some children experience irregular growth or physical disability.
The rest of the article can be found at the following link

Now for the Exciting News!!


In order to kick off our fundraising for the marathon, Christy and I are hosting a 4 mile virtual race for the Arthritis Society.
Here are the details:



What: Reese's Run: 4 Mile Virtual Race
When: April 24th, 2009
Registration: $10.00 minimum donation (feel free to donate more if you can!)



Great Prizes!!!
Early bird prize (Register before March 24th)
First male
First female
Random draws



To register go HERE




Christy and I would so greatly appreciate if you could post and advertise this virtual race on your blog space (feel free to copy the race banner). Your support means a lot, especially for the millions of children and adults that suffer from arthritis in North America.

Please join us and get your Joints in Motion on April 24th, for Arthritis research!

23 comments:

Nikemom said...

Excellent!! I'll definitely link you on my blog.

Kim said...

Awesome cause. You and Run Mommy are going to have a great time training and fundraising. Oh...and going to BARBADOS!

Denise said...

What a great cause. No little kid deserves to be in pain. So upsetting. I'll post a link in my next post.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

i'll definitely link up to it too... :)

Run Mommy said...

Woo Hoo! Here's hoping that lots of people will participate!

Aron said...

oh that is so awesome marci!!! what a great idea and a great cause :)

Unknown said...

nice cause. i've done a jingle bell run for the past 3 years for arthritis too.

i'll probably join the virtual race too. :-)

Laurel said...

A wonderful idea for a virtual race.

Kristen said...

What a wonderful thing.
I have linked this on my runnin blog

Vava said...

Great idea! I had no idea that arthritis can affect childre, so thank you for the information. I will link your race on my blog and will plan to take part.

Carly said...

Nice work ladies! I just linked you.

Marcy said...

Ohhhh this is such a great idea chica! I know I'm behind but I'll put it up in a post tomorrow :-)

Tammy said...

Great idea for a virtual race! I'll definitely sign up. My friend's daughter also had this, and I remember how difficult it was... getting the diagnosis, treating it, etc.

Felice Devine said...

That's great! Way to go!
Reese is such cutie, too!

AddictedToEndorphins said...

You inspire me!! That such a great thing you're doing! I will sign up for reese's race, and see if I can get an initiative going in my area!!
You rock!

Meg said...

What a great idea!! I'm in!

Lindsay said...

she is such a cutie!! what a great idea for a virtual race. you guys are awesome, and hello barbados! still jealous :)

Anonymous said...

I peity that a small child has arthritis.But she has enough will power to face that condition.That's the reason,you have made her as your role model.

Anonymous said...

Fun idea. Arthritis is a great cause.

Christine said...

I would love to do Reese's run! ALso I need your help with some potential races...you have so much experience. CHeck out my blog for details :)

N.D. said...

Oh my goodness! thank you so much for your donation to Dana Farber for my run!!! I greatly appreciate your generosity!! Would you send me your email. Is it durham.edu? I think it is cut off on your sidebar there. THANK YOU SO MUCH! natalie

Lily on the Road said...

Sounds great, I'll link up too!

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