2009 Arthritis Walk

Audrey who is seventy-nine years “young” was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 43. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone surgery on both feet, the tendons in her hands, her hip, both knees and her wrist have been replaced, and she has had the vertebrae in her neck fused.

Audrey who was a registered nurse had to retire at the age of 55 because she could no longer handle the physical demands of the job. However, not one to sit around and feel sorry for herself, Audrey found a new purpose in life by volunteering at the Arthritis Foundation. This year will mark Audrey’s 16th year of service to the Michigan Chapter office, where she provides callers with information on arthritis diagnosis, treatment, management, and referrals as an Arthritis Answers™ volunteer. Beginning at the age of 64, Audrey has logged 4,160 hours with the Foundation being empathetic, understanding and offering practical solutions to everyday challenges. She serves as a mentor and positive role model to those individuals who contact the Arthritis Foundation and everyone who meets her. Audrey believes passionately about the Arthritis Foundation’s programs, especially Arthritis Answers™.

Audrey’s life style is the ideal example for the Let’s Move Together Campaign. She is an enthusiastic participant of the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program. She has been taking the weekly classes regularly for years and is religious about attending, because if she misses just one class, her body will let her know.

In addition to participating in the Foundation’s exercise programs, she also is an avid walker. She forms an Arthritis Walk team and trains all year to be able to complete the route. This year at age seventy-nine, on a hot 83-degree day, Audrey completed the three-mile route in Ann Arbor and as a team captain, managed to raise $3,429. Congratulations Audrey, you are our hero!