Mackenzie Martin ~ 2008 Pittsburgh Jingle Bell Run/Walk Honoree

December 2, 2008

Mackenzie Martin

At age 12, Mackenzie has a hard time running with her friends and her knees swell.  She is one of the over 300,000 children with JRA (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) in this country.  She is also one of the many examples of spirited young people who want to make a difference in the lives of others with this disease! That is why she is serving as the Arthritis Foundation’s honoree for this year’s Jingle Bell Run event!

Mackenzie was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 10 years old.  Like many kids with JRA, she finds some things difficult that the rest of us may take for granted, however she keeps very active.  She is involved in music and plays the piano; she is also learning to play the flute.  She is a student at Pine Richland Middle School.

With the help of her extended-family Mackenzie is able do most of the things that she likes. She also feels very supported.  Her family is always there to help her with blood work and taking her medicine. 

Please come join Mackenzie and her friends and family, and the Arthritis Foundation at the 2008 Jingle Bell Run Pittsburgh that will be held on December 6th, 2008.  For more information, contact the Arthritis Foundation office at (412) 566-1645 or email at ecope@arthritis.org.