Last week, I opened my email to find an invite to do the 2010 Jingle Bell Run at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Without hesitation, I signed myself up and decided to put a team together. I had never heard of the Jingle Bell Run until last year when my Boot Camp coach, Amanda, asked us to be on the team. That's when I learned that the Jingle Bell Run is a 5k event that is sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation.
Having been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in May of 2009, this was an event that was close to my bones and joints! Before being diagnosed,I had never considered Arthritis a 'disease', just something that happened to you once you got old. Boy was I mistaken!
More than 46 million Americans or one in five adults plus nearly 300,000 children have some form of doctor diagnosed arthritis.
• Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of
disability.
• Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking,dressing and bathing for millions of Americans.
• Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.
• Arthritis costs the U.S. economy nearly$86.2 billion annually.
• Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children.
• Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected by arthritis are under age 65.
• Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints.
I quickly signed up last year and recruited my Mom, Sister (Tara), Tara's friend Lauren, and my sweet friend Kimberley! We joined the Adventure Boot Camp team and had a blast! When we arrived, we were surrounded by Holiday Spirit!! Runners and Walkers were dressed up as Elves, Santas, and Presents! We choose to wear antler ears on our heads! Everyone had jingle bells tied to their shoes! It was a beautiful sound! I managed to run the whole 5k without stopping once. That was my only goal!
This year, my team is called the 'Dashers and Dancers'. I have verbal commitments from many friends to join! It's only $25 and you receive a long sleeved tshirt, jingle bells, and jingle gloves! Please consider joining my team!! Or please donate to the Arthritis foundation via my Team Page!
http://jbrmilwaukee.kintera.
I won't win the race, but I will cross the finish line! And I will run for those that cannot!
I invite you to watch a video to see how fun this event really is!
http://www.eventstreams.com/arthritisnational/013sde/
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