A crowd of 2,500 came out for the Arthritis Walk at Magic Mountain, walkers went around a 1 or 3-mile path on the grounds of Magic Mountain. The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation� s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation� s number one cause of disability. Valencia CA. June 5, 2011. (Gene Blevins/Daily News)
VALENCIA - Under gargantuan roller coasters and thrill-seeking rides, more than 2,500 people walked through Six Flags Magic Mountain on Sunday to support those with arthritis and to help raise money to find a cure.
The Arthritis Foundation's sixth annual Let's Move Together Arthritis Walk brought hundreds of children from the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys together who have some form of arthritis but, because of their age, often are not recognized as suffering from pain.
But since the walk began in 2006, awareness has grown, and more people are attending such events, said Cecy Frazier, the co-chair of the Arthritis Walk.
"I think it's fantastic," Frazier said. "We had a great turnout this year and people are super encouraged and excited to be here."
Nearly 300,000 children age 18 and under are affected by arthritis and rheumatologic conditions, but the issue receives little attention because of the perception that it's an older person's illness.
But children and teenagers also experience the swelling, tenderness and stiffness of joints that causes limited range of motion.
After the walk, a festival was held that included face painting for children, a concert, hot dogs, and dozens of giveaways from local organizations.
Natalie Nordberg was 15 when rheumatoid arthritis crawled into her joints three years ago. At one point, she couldn't even lift a comforter off of herself.
"When I was diagnosed, no
one knew I was in pain," said Natalie, who lives in Winnetka. She was chosen as this year's Youth Walk honoree.Nearly two dozen of her family members and friends walked with her to support the Arthritis Foundation's goal to find a cure.
Natalie manages the pain through medication, but some days are better than others.
"It's hard on me mentally more than physically because I can't do the things my friends do," she said.
Allison Anderson understands what Natalie means. Her son Jake, now 6, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when he was 14 months old. With medication and a weekly shot, Jake is as resilient as any other child, Anderson said, but she hopes for a time when her son can live without medications.
She also hopes such walks and events will encourage more physicians to focus on juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, since such doctors are few.
"We didn't know kids could have it," Anderson, of Simi Valley, said. "Fortunately it hasn't had an impact on him. But he's really touched by all the family and friends who come out to support him. It's just so important to raise awareness."
Arthritis affects nearly 50 million Americans and is considered one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15, according to the foundation. It is the second most common cause of work disability, behind heart disease.
Organizers for Sunday's event estimated that more than $225,000 was raised.
Gabriela Najera, 37, said she was moved by her family and friends and all the others who joined the walk to support those with arthritis. Najera was 20 when pain in her elbow led her to see a physician, and she learned she had arthritis.
"Sometimes this disease can leave you so depressed because you don't know what's in your future," she said.
"It's good to see I'm not alone in this and there is support," she said. "I just want there to be a cure, hopefully in my lifetime."
Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18212975?source=rss
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