Running to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. Ironic, huh?

[Scarlett67]

Greetings, Raffers . . .

I normally don't do this type of thing, but . . . Mr S. and I have taken up running together, and the only local run available to us on November 6, one of his rare Saturdays off, is the Jingle Bell Run, a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation. Usually we'd prefer to just write a check, do the thing, get the T-shirt, and be done with it, but they really seem to push the pledge thing, so I suppose I should make a half-assed effort. (Mr. S is on his own!) I obtained permission from our long-necked overlord to post this.

Here's a link to my donation page.
And here's the main event page with general info.

Seems like a cause everyone can identify with . . . either we ourselves have it, or our parents or other elders do. (On the other hand, it doesn't exactly kill you . . . just makes life not much fun.) I myself at the tender age of 43 have osteoarthritis in my neck, lower back, and big toe (!). Mr. S has it, well, pretty much all over. My mom recently had her second knee replaced because of severe osteoarthritis. My dad and grandmother both had pretty severe rheumatoid arthritis (so I'm staring down that barrel as well, thank you genetics ). And I think my mother's aunt had RA too.

We'll do the run even if we don't raise anything, but I thought I'd see if Raffers might be willing to toss a few pence toward the cause. (Full disclosure: Each runner/walker who raises $50 gets a Jingle Bell cowbell. More cowbell!) So if you're inclined to donate, fine, and if not, that's fine too. At least I can say I put the word out.

Thanks for reading!

[severe delays]

I'll sponsor you. I've had arthritis since I was a kid and it's a bitch. I'm going to bed now but I'll fish out my card at the weekend and throw you some spondoolicks.

[Scarlett67]

Wow, thanks!

Arthritis as a kid, huh? That must have really sucked. I can't imagine.

My neck and back don't bother me so much after the initial treatment and PT, but my toe . . . I'll be just sitting there and all of a sudden it'll lock up and stab me like a bitch, and I start screaming "OW OW OW OW OW!!!!" And Mr. S will just glibly go, "Toe?" Ya think? Eventually I can pop it loose, but damn. At least it doesn't go off when I'm running, only sitting still. I guess that's the universe talking to me, huh?

[severe delays]

Ach it's not bad usually. Chronic but not acute for the most part. I'm not wildly looking forward to getting older and getting worse.