Why bother?

That is a great question! Why bother learning to run a half-marathon? Why bother listening to people who think I'm crazy? Why bother fundraising? Why bother trying to raise awareness for Arthritis?

Because....IT NEEDS TO BE DONE!

The facts about arthritis are alarming....

• Over 4.5 million Canadians are suffering from one or more than 100 forms of arthritis today!! That means 4.5 million people had to CHOOSE to DO something today, eventhough they were in PAIN!
• 1 in 6 people in Ontario alone have arthritis!
• Arthritis affects more adults than cancer, heart disease, repiratory conditions and spinal cord trauma!
• Arthritis knows no boundaries, it can strike anyone at any time, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnicity. That means you or I, or our kids could develop one or more types of arthritis!

When I decided to become a member of the Joints In Motion team, it was for more than a chance to see a beautiful ocean. I'm learning to run to help myself, my mom and the 4.5 million arthritis sufferers, and the 9 million future sufferers! This is a chance to raise money to fund research, to provide programs for patients and their families,  and to one day find a cure!

I'm also getting the chance to show my sons that it's okay to take on a challenge, even if it seems too hard, that it's okay to spend time helping others, and that it's important for our family to make a difference!

For more information on the Joints In Motion program, or The Arthritis Society, please follow the link..
http://www.arthritis.ca/