Arthritis Foundation Honors Single Mother from Jenison

This Saturday is the Annual Walk To Cure Arthritis at the John Ball Park Zoo. One of those to be honored at the event is a 39 year old Jenison single mother.

Over 800 walkers will be on hand at the 2016 Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI, to help support the Arthritis Foundation and its mission to cure arthritis and make it easier for people living with the disease to achieve everyday victories. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony starts at 9:40 a.m. with the walk immediately following. As the Arthritis Foundation’s signature, national fundraising event, the Walk to Cure Arthritis brings together communities to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability, and is a great way to experience the power of giving back to the community.

Holly Hubbard will be on hand to share her story. A single mother of three, Hubbard was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis seven years ago, making her life a challenge.

"Getting a good night’s sleep is nearly impossible and getting up in the morning tired and in pain is tough. There are days that I’d like to pull the covers over my head and give up. My limitations have made me angry and resentful at times. It’s hard to do simple tasks like grocery shopping, long walks and yard work. I have learned that everything I do comes with a consequence. If I do not pace myself, my body will pay for it later. It’s always a compromise. While I am not 100 percent, and I have daily pain, I have chosen to fight this disease. My goal each day is to provide my children with love and support and raise them the best way I can. Giving up is not an option."

West Catholic athlete Collin Scarpino, and  Grand Rapids Orthopedist Kory Johnson will also be honored at the event.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. live with arthritis. Costing the U.S. economy $156 billion dollars a year, arthritis affects one in five Americans and causes more activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes. The Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis will help those living with arthritis by supporting community programs, advocacy initiatives, as well as fund crucial research aimed at finding a cure for the disease.

“Arthritis is more than just a few minor aches and pains. It’s a debilitating disease that robs people of their dreams,” says Michelle Glazier, executive director of the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan. “When you support Walk to Cure Arthritis, you become a Champion of Yes, helping us build a lifetime of better while accelerating the search for a cure. Whether you are close to the disease or simply looking for an inspiring charity event that truly makes a difference, Walk to Cure Arthritis is a great way to experience the power of standing together in the fight against arthritis. Together, we can Walk to Cure Arthritis and help us reach our goal of raising $90,700 to help find a cure for this disease.”

The Walk to Cure Arthritis is nationally presented by Amgen and sponsored by Massage Envy and Aleve.