Dear President Obama, Talk About Arthritis

Ask President Obama to talk about the pain, cost and disability caused by arthritis. Then, share this video with your friends. If we want to see a cure, we must start talking about arthritis too!

Learn more about the video and our request to President Obama at http://www.arthritis.org/ask.php

My Loved One Has Arthritis

Our Indianapolis Arthritis Walk Vice Chair, Kate Nicholson, got engaged to Brian Johnson about a month ago.  In this blog post, she interviews Brian about finding out she has fibromyalgia, how he sees their future, and why he supports the Arthritis Foundation.

Kate & Brian Volunteering at the JBR

Kate:  Do you remember on our first date when I told you I had fibromyalgia?  What did you think when I told you?  What expectations/thoughts did you have as a result of that in our early dating time?

Brian:  I remember the night clearly and remember the exact moment as we walked down the Canal. I recall asking a lot of questions. At the time I had heard of fibromyalgia, but did not know the specifics of the condition so I just started asking questions and listened a lot.  It was evident to me that you had the condition under control and you were very proactive in not letting it control your life. The fact that you had volunteered for several fibro studies told me that you were interested in not letting your condition define you.  If anything it showed me that your ambition matched my own and you were going to live and enjoy your life regardless of fibro.

Now, was I scared a little? Of course, and I think I even brought that up to you that night.  But it occurred to me that if I was scared about it, then how must you feel in broaching the subject on a first date?  My only expectation was that I wanted you to be honest with me about fibro and you totally were from the beginning.

Kate:  Now that we are planning the rest of our lives together, and I've been diagnosed with two more arthritic conditions, what do you worry about?

Brian:  Now that I've been with you for nearly a year I have much less worry.  We've had some great conversations and it's my belief that your dogged determination will win out over any diagnosed condition. I've envisioned you saying, "Arthritis and fibro be damned, I've got stuff to do. So give me another option,  Doctor, or I'll find one myself." It's that determined attitude that keeps any past worries I ever had at bay.

Not to say that you won't want or need to hold my hand for support now and again, but I feel like we draw strength from each other and will ultimately find a way to do everything we want to do in life including having a family, finishing school, traveling, and whatever else suits our fancy.

Kate:  Let's talk about the practical side of chronic conditions. Can you describe for the readers, from your perspective, the ways that you see me taking care of myself and the things you do to help me?

Brian:  I see you taking a lot of different approaches to the various conditions you deal with daily. There are medications, but you know the medications  forwards and backwards enough to be able to discuss with your doctor about dosage and how different doses may help in the event of a flare-up. You trust your doctors, but don't rely on them to be the only authority in the room.  And, you're not afraid to fire them if they give up.  On my side I have a list of your meds just in case.  I'm no expert, but I have the information should I need it!

I also see you making an effort to stay active with regular walks as well as getting a yoga session as often as your schedule allows.  You are also willing to try new things like the TENS Unit, massage, physical therapy, or the new pain patches.   You have the same mentality when it comes to your diet.  You eat good food.  Not to say that you don't indulge, but more often than not you make choices that will benefit your conditions and then find a way to make them darn tasty! I'm also open to trying new foods and recipes, so we can be healthy together.

Kate and Brian after Brian’s first marathon 

at Disney World in January 2011

Finally, you get the rest that your body needs to do what you need to do. Again, not to say you sacrifice or are always in bed by 9 pm, but you know what it takes and endeavor to give your body what it needs. I see that you are preparing yourself to have so many options that something is going to work or a combination of things are going to work when things flare-up.

On my side of things, I support you as much as I can and don't become a barrier myself.  If you need extra sleep, then I keep quiet so you can rest.  If you need an easy weekend, then I don't complain that I wanted to go out.  There will be plenty of weekends to go out in the future! 

I also help out on the exercise component by going on walks and helping us stay active.  Since I am a long distance runner, I can at least begin to understand the muscular pain and tightness that comes with fibromyalgia. We have a roller that we both use on sore muscles and we even relax and let the other person "roll" the other's leg muscles.  I really enjoy these sessions because we get to chat for a good hour without interruption.    How many couples just sit next to each other and talk for an hour plus straight without any TV, Computer, Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, Facebook, Twitter or Xbox?  

The most important thing as a partner/spouse/significant other is to try and understand what your loved one is going thru every minute of every day and not be a barrier to them yourself.

Kate:  Your last sentence really stood out to me.  You really have been amazingly supportive.  What other words of advice do you have for people who have a significant other who is surviving arthritic conditions?

Brian:  Besides not being a barrier or burden to the person who has arthritis...I know I said that already, but I thought it was worth saying again. My advice is, "Read up!" or "Get knowledgable!"  Go online, talk to YOUR doctor, find some information and be informed.  The arthritis we are talking about is NOT the same that Grandpa had at the age of 80. This is NOT just "the aches and pains of getting older." It's a chronic medical condition.

DO NOT become the "know it all," trying to tell your loved one the best way to treat their arthritis.   The information you find is so you can be prepared for what comes next, and be understanding of what your loved one is going through. As a guy, we sometimes want to try and fix the problem instead of just being there for support. This isn't the time. Go fix a lamp instead and take out the garbage while you're at it.

Kate:  Ha!  I know you meant to be funny, but I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you take out the trash!  Let's chat about the Arthritis Foundation for a minute.  We've attended Bone Bash.  You volunteered with me at Jingle Bell Run (and ran it!), and now you're working with me for the Arthritis Walk in June.  Why do you think it's important for families to attend these events?

Brian:  From a personal perspective, it's important because I'm not the only person on this planet and I could be diagnosed with arthritis tomorrow. I'd hate to decide that something was important AFTER I needed help for my own cause.  In three words, "pay it forward."

Kate & Brian at the 2010 Indianapolis Bone Bash

On another note, it's events like Bone Bash, The Arthritis Walk, and the Jingle Bell Run that raise money for arthritis research.  Because of that research, aspirin is no longer the primary treatment for arthritis.  If we can raise a little money and be able to manage arthritis, I say we raise a little more and see if we can make arthritis even less than a minor inconvenience.

Finally, you're my family. If this is important to you, then my place is beside you or where ever you need me to be, whether it's running a 5K, dressing up in a Bone Bash costume, handing out fliers or tweeting to my friends.  I'm there for you because that's what family members do for each other. You'd do the same for me. (Insert Friends theme song here.)

Kate:  I'm pretty certain I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have you by my side. Any other comments or thoughts for our readers?

Brian:  Only one more thing to add. On the worst day when your loved one who has arthritis is their most irritable, you've lost all patience and you want to hang it all just remember that you don't have arthritis for the rest of your life. And if you do have arthritis,  then thank your lucky stars that you have someone who understands what you're going through every minute of every day.

Advocacy Summit 2011

I participated in the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Summit 2011 in Washington DC. It was a great experience and I believe I made a difference. Kevin Mandrell and his wife, Annette were the other representatives from Indiana. Together we visited each of the eleven offices of the Senate and House represented by Indiana. We met with Representative Burton and then with everyone’s Legislative Directors or Assistants. Most seemed genuinely interested. As the government is undergoing drastic budget cuts right now, no one was making any commitments, but they were all receptive to continuing contact with us which was promising. Our goal was to give them information and discuss our four agenda items:

         

    

1. To join the Congressional Arthritis Caucus and continue to fight to maintain our national investment in arthritis research. As a result of our visits, 17 members of Congress have signed up as of March 4th.
2. Make Arthritis a National Priority. To help stop arthritis and add it to your national and local discussions on chronic disease. To support programs to help Americans manage arthritis and help prevent further disability. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. resulting in $128 billion dollars of medical expenses and lost earnings each year. We distributed form letters for President Obama and Secretary Sebelius for the legislators to sign and mail.
3. To support the National Institutes of Health and National  Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases as well as the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance. These agencies are making great strides in arthritis treatment and prevention and need to be supported now for cost containment and disease reduction in the future. Currently one in five Americans has arthritis and 300,000 children. In another 20 years that is projected to become one in four or 25% of Americans. According to the CDC 1 in 20 working Americans will have to change their job due to arthritis. I am one of these working Americans currently going back to school to start a new career because the one I love is too strenuous with my arthritis.
4. To urge federal investment in arthritis research through Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs at the Department of Defense. Veterans are returning from service with a 50% increased risk for arthritis. Most of them are afflicted with osteoarthritis from the wear and tear from their equipment and injuries.

The Arthritis Foundation provided an excellent training program to prepare all of the Advocates. It was great to network with others and get fresh ideas. The AF staff of Amy Melnick, Jennifer Taylor McBride, Laurie Markle and Kimberly Beer made the education fun and inspiring. The physician speakers prepared the group with the newest information on arthritis developments and treatments to present to the congressmen. I look forward to next year’s program and to my continuing efforts this year with my legislators.

- Treva

Read Treva's Bio

Meet James Bicos, M.D. Our Medical Blogger!

Name: James Bicos, M.D.

Hometown: Addison, IL (suburbs of Chicago); currently lives in Carmel, IN

Profession/Practice: Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Trained Surgeon with St. Vincent Orthopedics/St. Vincent Sports Medicine

How has arthritis affected your life or how do you help people with arthritis:  I help people with arthritis every day. That makes up 90% of my practice. Since I am on the sports medicine side and see young athletes, I feel that I have an extra incentive (and duty) to keep them healthy and prevent arthritis from taking over their joints.

How long and in what capacity have you been connected to the Arthritis Foundation:  I have been associated with the Arthritis Foundation for the past year, donating to the Research Advocate campaign. I have also represented St. Vincent at the 2010 Evening of Appreciation when St. Vincent was recognized for becoming the first every Indiana Friend of the Foundation.

Why do you (volunteer, donate, work, etc.) with Arthritis Foundation:  Being an Orthopedic Surgeon, arthritis is part of my job every day. I have a motto that “I am stomping out arthritis, one joint at a time!”

A little about you: Dr. Bicos is a member of St. Vincent Orthopedics and the St. Vincent Performance Center. He concentrates his practice on the specialized needs of athletes of all ages. He has received extensive training in cartilage restoration, shoulder replacement surgery, complex shoulder arthroscopy (including rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations and multi-directional instability), knee ligament reconstruction, and patellofemoral instability. He is currently the team physician for Park Tudor High School and University High School. He is a consulting physician for our USA Gymnastics, USA Track and Field, and USA Diving teams. He has been the head team physician for the USA Men’s and Women’s Worlds Gymnastics Championship Teams for the past two years, representing the United States in London and the Netherlands. He has also served the United States Olympic Committee as a Medical Volunteer at the training camp in Colorado Springs, CO. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and chapters, and has multiple ongoing clinical and biomechanical research initiatives.

Dr. Bicos earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. He attended Rush Medical College (Chicago, IL) where he earned his medical degree, and then completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. He then went on to sub-specialize in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, completing a fellowship at the University of Connecticut, and now is a member of St. Vincent Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Dr. Bicos is a native of the Mid-West region, having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago. He is married and has two children. He enjoys playing golf and remote controlled model aviation, in addition to spending time with his family and friends.

What you will be blogging about: Dr. Bicos will be providing general health information related to arthritis and orthopedics. 

If you have a question you would like Dr. Bicos to answer you can comment on this blog or email Kendall Rich Horvatich, Special Events Coordinator for the Arthritis Foundation, at krich@arthritis.org.

Meet Treva Strasen Our Northeastern Indiana Blogger!

Treva at the 2011 AF Advocacy Summit

Name: Treva Strasen

Hometown: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Arthritis Condition: Fibromyalgia

Diagnosed in: 1993

How has arthritis affected your life: Fibromyalgia has changed my life on all levels. The activities I previously enjoyed are too strenuous to participate in now so I had to change my physical activities and hobbies. I live every day in constant pain. My body is slow, weak, tired and heavier than before I got sick. The medication and sleep problems slow my thinking and memory. I am currently going back to school so I can get a less strenuous job.

How long and in what capacity have you been connected to the Arthritis Foundation: I have been involved with the Arthritis Foundation since 1994. I have been teaching Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Self Help Classes and I run a monthly Arthritis and Fibromyalgia support group. I am on the AF Northeastern Indiana Leadership Council. I do some public educational teaching and public health fairs for the Arthritis Foundation.

Why do you (volunteer, donate, work, etc.) with Arthritis Foundation: I volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation because I want to educate others with arthritis and fibromyalgia and help them to cope with its everyday challenges. I suffer from fibro and have a nursing degree so I feel I have a lot to offer.

Advice you have for others: Take control. Be a partner in your health care.

A little about you/What you want to know: I am a mother, wife, sister, nurse and patient. My fibromyalgia affects my family and me. They have had to adjust because of my limitations. I am not able to participate in the activities I once used to. I have had to find new hobbies and activities. My rheumatologist has tried many medications out on me with little success. The side effects often outweigh the benefits. I participate in a warm water therapy class and try to balance my work and rest the best I can. I have taken up golf and joined a book club for entertainment. My family is very supportive, though with my boys moving out of the house I miss my helpers. I am currently going back to school so that I can find a more appropriate job that is less physically strenuous. I am an Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation and am getting more active educating and communicating with the legislators in our state. It is important to make sure that Arthritis is addressed on the national level as a major health care problem. I am interested in new medical advancements in arthritis management.

What you will be blogging about: Coping with arthritis and fibromyalgia, current Arthritis Foundation events and education. 

Walk with Me to Cure Arthritis

2011 Walk Committee & Staff

This past Thursday, we had our monthly Indianapolis Arthritis Walk® Committee meeting. I’m always so impressed with the volunteers and staff that sit around the table in our meetings. The passion, enthusiasm and spirit are invigorating and always lift me up. Because of these volunteers, we’re one step closer to a cure. It’s hard to talk about the business of the Walk when you are in a room of such amazing people!

But, we do have a job to do:  Put on the best Indianapolis Arthritis Walk® we can. I love this year’s theme, “Walk with Me to Cure Arthritis.” This event is key to raising not only money for arthritis research, programs and services, but also creating an understanding about arthritis and related conditions. In addition, we want to offer opportunities for those with these conditions to lead a better life.

Our to-do list is pretty lengthy, starting with securing sponsors for the walk. We have an excellent sponsorship package available, with levels from $150 to $10,000. Even at the $150 level, the benefits include listing on the t-shirts, recognition in the statewide newsletter that goes to over 7,500 people , and the opportunity to contribute to a promotional item for participant goody bags.  Not bad!  

Be sure to come early this year, because we have plenty of great activities. We are hard at work building a bigger Health and Wellness Fair.  This area will feature clinical medicine, health related non-profits, and wellness practitioners that offer goods and services for those with arthritis. Interested in a booth?  They start at only $300. Contact Kendall krich@arthritis.org or B.J. bfarrell@arthritis.org to reserve your space!

Arthritis Sufferers Kate & Furry Murry Fish Head

A returning feature this year is the Doggy Den. Dogs can join in on the fun in their own zone that celebrates the unique relationship dogs can have on those who have arthritis. After all, exercise is key to reducing pain, and what better way to walk than with a furry friend. We know that dogs get arthritis, too. Check out the picture of me and my dog Furry Murray Fish Head, an arthritis sufferer himself. We’re quite a pair with our arthritic hips, but we make it on regular walks anyway!

The Kid’s Zone sponsored by Merchandise Warehouse continues to grow, too! Home Depot will be back with their cool craft projects and a magician is on board. In this area, not only do kids get to play, but there is also a lot of great information on children and teens and living with arthritis related conditions. Thanks to the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent the K-ID’s BMV van will be back as well making free child ID cards.

Really, what’s there not to like about all of this activity on an early summer evening along the beautiful Indianapolis Canal? Stroll at your own pace as far as you’d like to go, follow along with the band The Scoop, and enjoy the festivities while contributing to finding a cure.  The entire family will find activities they’ll enjoy.

Mobiles

I hope you’ll start a team like I did or register for the walk on June 11th. It’s very simple to do. Go to www.ArthritisWalkIndy.com, click Sign Up and then Start a Team. We know that asking for money from others can be difficult, no matter how much you believe in the cause. So, there are all sorts of cool tools to use, including an email template, facebook and twitter applications, and a way to set up your own website. In addition, the Arthritis Foundation, Central Indiana Branch has mobiles and scratch off cards available. Sell the mobiles, available in round or bone shape, for any amount and have the donor write there name on the bone. Then, bring your sold bones to the Walk to be displayed in the Mission Area. New to the Arthritis Walk® this year are the scratch off cards. Each card has 35 circles with dollar amounts ranging from $0-$5. Ask friends and family members to scratch off a circle and donate the amount uncovered. If you get every circle uncovered you will have raised $100 and an official Arthritis Walk® t-shirt! To order fundraising supplies for free contact Kendall at krich@arthritis.org or 317.879.0321 x207.

Scratch off cards front and back.

Mark your calendars for our Indianapolis Arthritis Walk® Kick-Off event on April 14th at The Mansion at Oak Hill. The event begins a 6 p.m. RSVP by April 7th to Kendall at krich@arthritis.org or 317.879.0321 x207. It’s a great way to get your team in gear and ready for the Walk! This year at the kick-off we will be handing out service awards to team captains who have been with us over the past six years.

I’ll have more updates for you soon. Stay in touch and “Walk with Me to Cure Arthritis!”

Together, we can overcome.

Kate

Read Kate's Bio

Life with JRA

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Before my diagnosis, like many others, I thought arthritis was something only elderly people had. But, after three months of pain in all of my joints, a massive weight loss, and sleeping up to 18 hours a day, I quickly learned that arthritis is a real possibility at any age.

It started normally enough – a dull ache in my knees. I’d convinced myself it was a late growth spurt (just a few more inches!), but when the pain started to spread to my ankles, toes, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, neck, and pretty much everywhere else imaginable, I told my parents who took me to the doctor.

My family doctor told me early on that he thought I had JRA, but he sent me for blood work and with a recommendation to see a specialist. I had the first six vials of blood taken that day… I stopped keeping track of how many they’d taken after I hit 200. While my symptoms started in early April, my diagnosis didn’t come until July. Since my rheumatoid factor never popped positive, the best way for diagnosis was to eliminate every other possibility. I’d been hospitalized and taken multiple trips to Riley Hospital for Children. I’d been through blood cultures, body scans, and bone marrow extraction. I was tested for Lyme disease, leukemia, lymphoma, and host of other diseases I can’t pronounce. When the diagnosis finally came, I was grateful to have a name for it, but it didn’t make it any easier.

While I was sick, I lost 15 pounds. Once I got on a combination of medicines, I gained 12 pounds in 10 days – a nightmare for a senior in high school. While I felt better, I was still exhausted and achy. I had to relearn how to live again, and find my limitations and boundaries.

Studies say that over 300,000 children in America live with arthritis. That’s a conservative estimate, as no recent studies have been conducted on the actual number of children with arthritis and related immune diseases. Additionally, millions of young adult live with arthritis.

This is something that affects my life each and every day. I’m a 27-year-old English teacher who has to wake up early for work so my joints can get used to moving after sleeping. But, I’m one of the lucky ones. On a day-to-day basis, my arthritis only affects me in the mornings and evenings, unlike so many others who have been crippled by the disease.

Register Now!

A few summers ago, I had the privilege to attend the National Juvenile Arthritis Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania. There, I was able to meet so many children and young adults who live with this disease. They are some of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met.

One day, on a break, I went to the pool at the hotel just to be outside. There, a group of children from the conference were swimming while their parents were in sessions. As two boys splashed around, one said to the other, “We’re the luckiest kids ever!” And the other little boy said, “I know!” Tears immediately welled up in my eyes. These are kids who have to get weekly injections of biologics in order to control their arthritis so they can walk. These are kids who have faced ridicule from classmates who didn’t understand why they sometimes had to use wheelchairs. These are kids who face immense amounts of pain each and every day of their lives. These are kids who are amazing. 

There are so many things I’ve learned from having arthritis. I’ve learned how to enjoy everyday, even when they’re not perfect. I’ve learned how to make JRA a part of my life without letting it define me. And, slowly, I’m learning to accept support from others. The Arthritis Foundation has made all of this possible. I can’t wait to see what the Kids Get Arthritis Too event can do for others like me. 

Kids (and Teens!) Get Arthritis Too Family Day
Saturday, March 26, 2011
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marriot – Downtown South Bend 
http://AFKidsGetArthritisSB.kintera.org/

- Angela
 Read Angela's Bio 

 

Meet Kate Nicholson Our Central Indiana/Indianapolis Arthritis Walk Blogger!

Name:  Kate Nicholson

Hometown:  Indianapolis, IN

Arthritis Condition: Fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and chronic bursitis

Diagnosed in:  Fibromyalgia in 2003, osteoarthritis and chronic bursitis in 2009

How has arthritis affected your life:  My diagnoses made me more driven to lead a healthy lifestyle and reach out to others who have the same issues.  I have a regular yoga practice and eat well, participate in research studies, volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation, and blog about my experiences.  It has been life changing, but it has made my life better and more meaningful.

Kate & boyfriend Brian at Indy JBR

How long and in what capacity have you been connected to the Arthritis Foundation:  In 2009 and 2010, I volunteered on the Indianapolis Jingle Bell Run committee.  In 2010, I also joined the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk committee as the volunteer coordinator.  In 2010, I mentored a group of graduate students who produced promotional material for Bone Bash.   In 2011, I am the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk event vice-chair.

Why do you volunteer with AF:  I understand how difficult it is to live with these conditions.  It is very important to me to help others find their way to a healthy and meaningful life.  The Arthritis Foundation gives our communities an avenue to convene, share information, to build awareness, and provide research dollars to find a cure.

Advice do you have for others:   In between the pain, lack of energy, and constant doctor’s appointments, it’s easy to feel like your life isn’t the quality you want it to be.  It doesn’t have to be less than what it used to be or not up to your expectations.  We have to make adjustments, and there’s nothing wrong with that.  The journey of living with arthritis related conditions can be as beautiful as you want it to be.  Find a good medical team, a good support team, treat your body well, and prioritize to make the most out of what you do have.

A little about you:  I am the Program Manager for the Indiana Public Health Training Center at IU School of Medicine Department of Public Health.  I’m also faculty in the IUPUI Department of Communication Studies and teach health communications, public speaking, and public relations.  I’m currently working on my PhD in Curriculum Studies.  I make time almost daily for yoga in the Iyengar style.  I have a crazy household on Eagle Creek with two Australian Shepherds, Furry Murray Fish Head and Rock Star Roxy Hart, and a cat, Princess Aurora the Diva Cat.  In addition, my significant other, Brian, and I enjoy volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation together, touring Indiana wineries, and challenging ourselves in the kitchen to make healthy food and treats.

What will you be blogging about?  I will be blogging about living well with fibromyalgia and arthritis, including my experiences with research, tips on working with your medical and support team, exercise, and other helpful things I find along the way.  I’ll also focus on the Indianapolis Arthritis Walk and the exciting plans!

Kids (and Teens!) Get Arthritis Too Family Day

Hello, all! This is the first blog I've ever been a part of, but I'm excited to be teaming with the Arthritis Foundation to let you know about area events. As someone who has lived with Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for almost 11 years, I understand the frustration and pains of being a young adult with RA. The Arthritis Foundation offers support to sufferers of all ages, and, our first event this year in South Bend is just around the corner, the Kids (and Teens!) Get Arthritis Too Family Day on March 26th. This free event is for children, teens, young adults and family members of those with arthritis. 

Here are the details:

Kids (and Teens!) Get Arthritis Too Family Day
Saturday, March 26, 2011
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marriot – Downtown South Bend 
http://AFKidsGetArthritisSB.kintera.org/

Sessions are prepared for children and young adults ages 3 to 21, and their parents and siblings. The adults will focus on networking, nutrition, coping strategies for children, and navigating the education system with arthritis. Kids and young adults will be entertained with arts and crafts, exercise and meeting others who relate to them. Lunch will be provided and there will also be information available for the South Bend Arthritis Walk, taking place May 1. Families can RSVP online or by calling 574.251.1424. 

- Angela
 Read Angela's Bio