Greater Chicago Chapter
Arthritis Walk
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Upcoming Arthritis Walks
Sunday, September 28, 2008, Napoleon, OH
Henry County Fair Grounds
Saturday, October 4, 2008, Tiffin, OH
Hedges Boyer Park
Saturday, October 4, 2008 Merrillville, IN
Hidden Lake Park
6355 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
Arthritis Walks Past
Saturday, April 26, 2008 Lake County
Adler Memorial Park
Libertyville, IL
Event Photos Please enter "photoguy" when prompted for a password.
(Adjacent to east entrance of Lincoln Park Zoo)
The Riverwalk ~ Grand Pavilion
500 Jackson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
Raise $1,000 and you will be entered to win...
Any person that raises $1,000 or more for the Arthritis Walk will be entered into a drawing to win the two AirTran tickets. The drawing will be on Friday, October 10 and the winner will be contacted via phone.
What is the Mile of Heroes?
The Mile of Heroes is a one-mile section of the Arthritis Walk route. This mile, at each walk site, is dedicated to those that have been affected by arthritis. Markers can recognize individuals living with arthritis or those that have passed. Markers can also recognize the special people that make living with arthritis easier, such as doctors, healthcare professionals, or support group and exercise leaders. The cost of a "You're My Hero" marker is $25 and it will be placed on the walk route of the site chosen by the donor. To purchase a mile marker for your special hero Jaimie at (312) 372-2080 x 24.
2008 Arthritis Walk Honorees
Lake County Arthritis Walk Honoree Paul Erdmann
Paul is a 9 year old resident of Wauconda, IL and he was diagnosed with Systemic JRA when he was a little over 2 years old. Paul faces many challenges with his condition and some times gym class can be the most difficult task. Even though he has good days and bad days with his ailment, he does not let it stop him from having fun. Recently, Paul received his orange belt in KungFu, tied in a relay race in gym class and even held himself over the bar in gym class for more than ten seconds. He loves to collect webkins, draw Spiderman cartoons and play video games. If Paul could wish three things for the future, he would wish for the Cubs to win the World Series, become his favorite hero, Spiderman, and become a doctor to cure arthritis! At the Arthritis Foundation Camp Jam he met so many boys and girls with arthritis just like him and that helps him know he is not coping alone. As an Honoree, Paul and his family want to make others aware of arthritis and help raise money for a cure.
Support Paul's People
Watch Paul's You Tube video...
See photos from Paul's People's special fundraiser at Emerald Isle on Western & Peterson.
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Naperville Arthritis Walk Honoree Michele Decker
Michelle is a 16 year old resident of Joliet and was diagnosed with JRA in 2001. Although she finds managing the disease stressful at times, she does not let arthritis prevent her from enjoying life. She plays sports such as Irish dance and soccer and has many hobbies including piano, reading and jogging. She also contributes to her community by volunteering as a candy striper at a local hospital. In addition to her community involvement, she has participated in the past three Arthritis Walks and this year she is the Naperville Arthritis Walk Honoree. Michelle is happy to be involved in the walk because it has helped her realize how many people cope with arthritis. Michelle’s parents, Richard and Kimberly Decker, continue to support her involvement in the walks and in the Foundation. Her three dogs, Becky, Nicky and Gracie keep her company while her sister, Jenny, is away at college. Becky copes with arthritis as well! In the future, Michelle would like to go to college to become a pediatric rheumatologist.
Support Michelle's Crew
See photos from the Naperville Arthritis Walk Kick-Off Party
Chicago Arthritis Walk Honorees Lydia & Lynette Hernandez
Lynette is an energetic and loving two year old that was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in February 2007. Lydia, Lynette’s mother, suffered with arthritis her entire life and can relate to the pain that Lynette is experiencing. Like Lydia, Lynette has endured severe fevers, aches and rashes since she was ten months old. Fortunately, Lynette's last major flare-up was in February 2007 and the disease has been tolerable since then. With minimal pain in her life, Lynette has been able to enjoy her favorite activities. She loves to play in the park with her big sister Angela, enjoys swimming lessons and arts and crafts playgroup classes. Lydia wanted her daughter to be an honoree so that they could help the Arthritis Foundation continue funding arthritis research and promoting awareness. Lydia hopes that Lynette will soon grow out of her illness to lead a healthy and happy life.
Join or donate to Lynette's Arthritis Walk Team.
Event Day Schedule
8:00 am: Day of registration begins, money turn-in, t-shirt pick-up
9:50 am: Warm-up exercises at start line
10:00 am: Arthritis Walk step-off
11:00 am: Enjoy refreshments, health fair, raffle and more!
