Walk for a Cure – Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire Branch’s “2010 Arthritis Walk”
Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire Branch's 2010 Arthritis Walk to raise money and awareness for arthritis.
Riverside, CA, May 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Did you know that an estimated 46 million adults in the United States have some form of arthritis or chronic joint pain? It is projected that an estimated 67 million will be diagnosed with arthritis by the year 2030 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). And contrary to belief, this crippling disease does not just affect adults, but children as well. In order to continue with research in preventing, controlling and hopefully one day coming up with a cure for this debilitating disease, supporting the Arthritis Foundation is key.
The Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire Branch’s, “2010 Arthritis Walk” takes place Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd. in Riverside, Calif. Walkers from all over the region will participate in this walk to help raise money and awareness for the disease. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk will start at 10:30 a.m. leaving from the band shell.
Each year, the Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire recognizes special individuals and/or organizations. This year’s honorees are:
Adult Honoree:
Keturah D. McEwen is not just the first adult honoree in the Pacific Region, but also the first African American woman honored by the organization. Fun loving, outgoing, determined, focused, dependable, sincere, are just a few words that describe this incredible young woman.
McEwen was born in McComb, Mississippi and at the young age of 15 was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis — a form of arthritis in children ages 16 or younger that causes inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Now 33 years old, she holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Communication from California State University San Bernardino, a Master of Arts in Management and is currently obtaining her doctorate degree. She is also an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., America’s first historically Black sorority.
Her career aspirations of being a model were cut short due to the crippling effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. An essay she wrote titled, “No Longer a Size Five” takes you on a heartfelt journey of her amazing discovery of her illness.
Standing at a mere five feet four inches tall, she decided to pursue body parts modeling and was accepted as a hand model by a top agency. Prior to her first hand mode commercial shoot, she was asked by a representative at her high school what her ring size was for a class ring fitting. She confidently replied, “a size 5” but was shocked when the class ring would not come off her finger and became swollen turning purple and eventually landing her in the emergency room. It was there that blood tests revealed her life changing diagnosis.
Her strength and tenacity is accredited to her strong belief in God, and she continues to fight for a cure through prayer, love and support from family and friends. “I am able to now encourage those that may be realizing that although they may no longer be a size five, there is still hope.” Her motto is, she has arthritis… arthritis does not have her!
Youth Honoree:
Max Layman is a smart, loving 10-year-old boy who sadly was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis while in the first grade. He struggled with even the simple task of being able to support his own weight making it very difficult to stand, let alone walk. This once vivacious active child went from being able to enjoy playing at recess with his friends and enjoying his favorite sport of soccer, to relying on crutches to help him walk. Thanks to his support system of family and doctors, Layman’s positive and optimistic outlook continues to help him rise above the challenges he faces daily with his disease.
“I’m not as fast as I used to be before the arthritis,” Layman remarked. “But, I keep moving forward!”
Medical Honorees:
Dr. Razzouk is CEO of Arrowhead Orthopaedics, an outpatient and inpatient care facility that has been established for over 20 years.
There are 14 doctors on staff and the facility has physicians trained and certified in special Orthopaedic fields including spine and hand surgeons. They are the largest group of Orthopaedic specialists in the Inland Empire with facilities in Redlands, Riverside, Hemet and Colton, Calif. Arrowhead Orthopaedic staff and physicians work hard to assure the well-being and contributions for the betterment of the community and the people they serve.
“The Arthritis Foundation is a very credible organization and executive director Catherine Grinnan is a delight to work with,” said Dr. Razzouk. “We are pleased to partner with them.” He added that their doctors are very concerned and interested in preventive care, which the Arthritis Foundation provides a wealth of resources.
“We are appreciative and humbled of the honor as medical honoree and are committed to the tradition of excellence by providing quality health care.”
For more information about Arthritis Walk, or if you are interested in participating call (951) 320-1540 or visit arthritiswalkie.org.
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About Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, one of the nation's leading causes of disability.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The mission of the Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
The organization is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Together, volunteers and staff have helped individuals take control of arthritis by: providing public health education, pursuing public policy and legislation and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
Information about arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days-a-week at 1-800-283-7800.
The Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire Branch’s, “2010 Arthritis Walk” takes place Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Fairmount Park, 2601 Fairmount Blvd. in Riverside, Calif. Walkers from all over the region will participate in this walk to help raise money and awareness for the disease. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk will start at 10:30 a.m. leaving from the band shell.
Each year, the Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire recognizes special individuals and/or organizations. This year’s honorees are:
Adult Honoree:
Keturah D. McEwen is not just the first adult honoree in the Pacific Region, but also the first African American woman honored by the organization. Fun loving, outgoing, determined, focused, dependable, sincere, are just a few words that describe this incredible young woman.
McEwen was born in McComb, Mississippi and at the young age of 15 was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis — a form of arthritis in children ages 16 or younger that causes inflammation and stiffness of the joints. Now 33 years old, she holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Communication from California State University San Bernardino, a Master of Arts in Management and is currently obtaining her doctorate degree. She is also an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., America’s first historically Black sorority.
Her career aspirations of being a model were cut short due to the crippling effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. An essay she wrote titled, “No Longer a Size Five” takes you on a heartfelt journey of her amazing discovery of her illness.
Standing at a mere five feet four inches tall, she decided to pursue body parts modeling and was accepted as a hand model by a top agency. Prior to her first hand mode commercial shoot, she was asked by a representative at her high school what her ring size was for a class ring fitting. She confidently replied, “a size 5” but was shocked when the class ring would not come off her finger and became swollen turning purple and eventually landing her in the emergency room. It was there that blood tests revealed her life changing diagnosis.
Her strength and tenacity is accredited to her strong belief in God, and she continues to fight for a cure through prayer, love and support from family and friends. “I am able to now encourage those that may be realizing that although they may no longer be a size five, there is still hope.” Her motto is, she has arthritis… arthritis does not have her!
Youth Honoree:
Max Layman is a smart, loving 10-year-old boy who sadly was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis while in the first grade. He struggled with even the simple task of being able to support his own weight making it very difficult to stand, let alone walk. This once vivacious active child went from being able to enjoy playing at recess with his friends and enjoying his favorite sport of soccer, to relying on crutches to help him walk. Thanks to his support system of family and doctors, Layman’s positive and optimistic outlook continues to help him rise above the challenges he faces daily with his disease.
“I’m not as fast as I used to be before the arthritis,” Layman remarked. “But, I keep moving forward!”
Medical Honorees:
Dr. Razzouk is CEO of Arrowhead Orthopaedics, an outpatient and inpatient care facility that has been established for over 20 years.
There are 14 doctors on staff and the facility has physicians trained and certified in special Orthopaedic fields including spine and hand surgeons. They are the largest group of Orthopaedic specialists in the Inland Empire with facilities in Redlands, Riverside, Hemet and Colton, Calif. Arrowhead Orthopaedic staff and physicians work hard to assure the well-being and contributions for the betterment of the community and the people they serve.
“The Arthritis Foundation is a very credible organization and executive director Catherine Grinnan is a delight to work with,” said Dr. Razzouk. “We are pleased to partner with them.” He added that their doctors are very concerned and interested in preventive care, which the Arthritis Foundation provides a wealth of resources.
“We are appreciative and humbled of the honor as medical honoree and are committed to the tradition of excellence by providing quality health care.”
For more information about Arthritis Walk, or if you are interested in participating call (951) 320-1540 or visit arthritiswalkie.org.
###
About Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, one of the nation's leading causes of disability.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The mission of the Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
The organization is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Together, volunteers and staff have helped individuals take control of arthritis by: providing public health education, pursuing public policy and legislation and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis.
Information about arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation is available 24 hours a day, 7 days-a-week at 1-800-283-7800.
Contact
Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire Branch
Natasha Simone Ferguson
951-662-8780
www.arthritiswalkie.org
Natasha Simone Ferguson
951-662-8780
www.arthritiswalkie.org
Contact
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