The Oberserver

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Hi, I’m Delaney and I am 14 years old. People used to notice my red hair first when they saw me, now they seem to notice that I have a hard time walking and getting around, and that sometimes I have to use a wheelchair.

I have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. That is a lot of words that mean my joints hurt. Did you know that 300,000 other kids have this disease? Did you know there are many types of arthritis for kids and adults? My parents and I did not. Arthritis is not just an “old people disease”. I now know little kids who have it, and babies can be born with it. It’s just unfair! I was diagnosed at 13 years old, less than a year ago, after many months of trying to figure out what was wrong with me.

I saw many doctors, had many tests, blood work, X-rays, MRIs; It was not very fun. I have been in a lot of pain. I have not been able to do all the things I Iove to do, such as riding my favorite horse or even just going shopping with my mom. Sometimes I have trouble getting around my own house. There is nothing fun about this chronic disease, there is no cure – yet.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest non-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world. It raises funds to help kids like me and grown-ups with arthritis across the country. They have programs from exercise plans to family connect days to fancy dinners, and more. They also sponsor summer camps for kids with Juvenile Arthritis.

One of these fundraising events is the annual Arthritis Walk. Here in Central Florida, our walk will take place on Saturday, May 12, 2012 in Lake Eola. It is a 5k walk and you can even bring your dog.

I am asking you to please join us. Become a sponsor, make a donation or register to participate today and help us raise money to help kids like me feel better.

Delaney Hutchinson, an East Orlando resident, is the 2012 Arthritis Walk Child Honoree.