2009 Arthritis Walk - Enid, OK

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Welcome to the Donation Page of
Jennifer Block

My Team Page

	$100
	$50
	$25
	Other (min. $10)

Enter Donation Amount Here: *Currency shown: US Dollar $

My Fundraising Goal:
$100.00

Money Raised to Date:
$385.00

If you are unable to donate online, please print out a donation form.

Show Us Your Moves!

The Block Team!!

I am taking on the challenge to make a difference in our community by participating in the Arthritis Walk as a part of Let's Move Together, the Arthritis Foundation's nationwide movement that encourages people to move to prevent or treat arthritis.

Today, one in five people suffer from the pain of arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) project that by the year 2030, 67 million people in the U.S., or 1 in 4 adults, will live with arthritis. You can join me in the movement against arthritis by helping me reach my goal. Let's Move Together to improve lives and reduce the pain of arthritis.

My Story:
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2004 at the age of 23. Receiving this diagnosis was an overwhelming and fearful time in my life. Although relieved not to be in continuous pain once starting medication, I was very scared. I wondered if I would ever be able to live a normal life or do the things I always wanted to do. Upon diagnosis I performed countless hours of research on arthritis, trying to understand what this debilitating disease is and why it was happening to me. I felt very alone and very afraid.

A huge problem I immediately faced was having no medical coverage for specialty care because at the time of diagnosis I was an engineering student at San Diego State University (SDSU). Besides my status as a student, I had just gotten married, all of which had caused me to no longer be eligible for coverage under my parents’ health insurance. Fortunately, a health care provider at the SDSU medical clinic suggested I contact the Arthritis Foundation as he had heard of free clinics for people without insurance and in need of a Rheumatologist and medications. Through the Arthritis Foundation I was able to receive all my medical care and medications free of charge. The doctors at the Arthritis Foundation Clinics were all wonderful and knowledgeable. In fact, after beginning my career as an engineer, once I had medical insurance, I chose to see the same doctor at his place of business. But, during the time I was still a student, I do not know what I would have done without the Arthritis Foundation and the clinic. Now having graduated from college, I am excited to help raise money for the Arthritis Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation was there for me at a time when I desperately needed help and now is the time that I can give something back.

Living with RA is always a battle, but it is a battle I will continue to fight with all my heart and soul. I refuse to let this disease get the best of me and get in the way of my goals. There are always good and bad days associated with the pain of RA and there continues to be days, even while on mediation, that there are things I cannot do. Although it is difficult for my two toddlers to understand why their Mommy cannot play airplane or rocket shots in the air like their Dad, for the most part I lead a very normal life with my two children and husband, an Air Force pilot. Since my diagnosis, my husband has been my rock and is always there for me.

I know that with my participation in the Arthritis Walk, the funds I raise will be used in many important areas, such as: providing clinics, doctors and mediations to those who are in need of medical care and have no money; providing funding for the development of new medications in the treatment of arthritis; funding of continued research to better understand the origins of arthritis; continued the growth of programs for people living with RA; and most importantly to help find a cure.