Meet Our Athletes
Sandy Webber
Marathon: Bermuda and Disney
Chapter: Florida/Southwest
Sandy Webber, a 68-year-old female athlete on the Florida Chapter Joints in Motion team, had never run before. Now, after training with our coach, she has successfully completed the half marathon in Bermuda and Disney. Sandy runs in honor of her husband, Philip, who has arthritis, and has definitely caught the running bug. In fact, Sandy came in first in Bermuda out of all the athletes representing Joints in Motion nationwide in the half marathon. She was also proud to be on the largest JIM team in Bermuda, the Florida Chapter Team. "This has opened up a whole new healthier lifestyle for me, and I'm doing something to help others at the same time … a great combination! This is an excellent program and I've met so many great people. I feel younger, more energetic and I'm so ready for Disney. Joints in Motion -- try it … you'll love it !"
Determined in Dublin
Marathon: Dublin
Chapter: Southern California/San Luis Obispo
CJ Classen overcame her severe rheumatoid arthritis to complete the Dublin Marathon with her real estate partner, Trish Curtis. CJ had to overcome a variety of health challenges in addition to preparing herself for six months. At the age of 50, CJ was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis that was literally crippling her. Mornings were particularly difficult for her, as it took two hours for her to crawl out of bed and get ready to go to work. CJ began the training somewhat skeptical that she could accomplish such a task but was willing to give it a try. The Joints In Motion event was cause that was near and dear to her heart.CJ feels the training and support she received from the coach and AF staff played a key role in her accomplishing her goal. The group camaraderie with the Joints in Motion Program kept them going, "We supported each other and formulated a family within in a family with a common goal."
Going the Distance
Marathon: Honolulu
Chapter: Pacific Northwest
Rhonda and her walking partner Sandy both live with arthritis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Despite the challenges each faces from arthritis, they trained every day for the Honolulu Marathon. And, they made it to nearly every Saturday practice, despite a two-and-a-half-hour commute from Port Angeles, WA. When asked about the most enjoyable part of the Joints in Motion experience, Sandy stated, "The stories about why people on the team were doing this made my heart swell. You learn a lot about people and their life stories when you spend lots of hours walking." Rhonda adds, "If we can walk at age 50, anyone can at any age. Please come join us and support the Arthritis Foundation."
No Stopping Him
Marathon: Dublin
Chapter: Northern & Southern New England
Jason Breeden had a goal in mind for the Dublin Marathon. He wanted to finish in 3 hours and 56 minutes. And he did with 46 seconds to spare. Breeden shares his story: "It even sounds long to say it. That's how long it took me to complete the 26.2 mile "guided tour" of downtown Dublin. I cannot tell you how amazing it was nor can I fully describe to you the tremendous sense of accomplishment I felt as I crossed the finish line. ... All in all, this experience will stay with me forever. The physical accomplishment is rewarding, but knowing that close friends and family made this trip and my participation possible is inspiring. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to run with Joints In Motion. Your support not only made it possible for me to assist in finding a cure for arthritis, but also to take control of my arthritis and accomplish something I thought I could never do."
New Knees Carry Athlete
Marathon: Dublin
Chapter: Texas
Jane Gregory signed up to walk the Dublin Marathon with the Joints in Motion training team two months before her second knee replacement surgery. While in the hospital she hung a sign on her hospital bed that read: "In training for a marathon." Some people might find it easy to veg on the sofa after two knee replacement surgeries. Not 57-year-old Jane Gregory. Within six months of her surgeries, she finished a world-class marathon. She says it's her way of controlling her rheumatoid arthritis.
"I felt devastated when I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis," says Gregory. "I'd always been an avid camper and mountain hiker, and I could hardly face having a disease that would restrict my activities. When I got over the shock, I promised myself I wouldn't let the disease take over completely. So, as I'm forced to give up an activity because of arthritis, I look for another interesting challenge to take its place."
"Participating in a marathon with two new knees seemed like the kind of challenge I needed. I had never thought of myself as an athlete, but after training for months and completing the marathon, I can enjoy hearing that term applied to me."
