Our first annual Fall Walk is an important event – it is at a very special location, during a very special time of year, for a very special cause, and, with a very special designated Honorary Chairman. The 2009 Arthritis & Wellness Fall Walk is at Idlewild Park during their festive Hallowboo celebration, and we are making the effort to not only focus on the walk itself, but also to promote the wellness aspect of the event. The Arthritis Foundation, Western Pennsylvania Chapter, has a very strong focus on overall health, physical activity, and wellness, for EVERYONE — not only those affected by arthritis. In addition to having Senator Kim Ward as an Honorary Public Leader, as well as two very special honorees, we’ve been lucky enough to have golf legend Mr. Arnold Palmer lend us his name as designated Honorary Chair.
Arthritis – the cause that is special to us – is also very special to him.
Arnold Palmer’s passion for golf began at the tender age of 4 years old. He focused on golf during his formative years, and by high school dominated the Western Pennsylvania region. In 1955, Arnold Palmer joined the pro tour. Since then, Mr. Palmer, now celebrating his 80th birthday, has been regarded as one of the most accomplished golfers of all-time. Not only is he an exquisite athlete and golf legend, but Arnold is also a strong supporter of many causes, ranging from cancer research and awareness to arthritis. Both of these causes hit close to the constant do-gooder’s heart. He himself has been touched by both illnesses. His first wife died of cancer, and he is actually a prostate cancer survivor and arthritis sufferer. Arthritis hits even more close to home for Mr. Palmer, though, when it comes to his late mother. Doris Palmer passed away in 1979 from what has been described as a cruel case of crippling arthritis. Her battle was brave, and her name lives on at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center “Doris Palmer Arthritis Center” where “healing and hope begin.” The Palmer family have been active in cancer and arthritis advocacy and awareness. Arnold Palmer’s legacy of being an upstanding citizen and outstanding athlete, along with his dedication to helping others, has made him the perfect Honorary Chairman to be affiliated with our 2009 Fall Arthritis & Wellness Walk. He fully encompasses what living a positive and healthful lifestyle of wellness should be!
However, that being said, Arnold Palmer is not the only celebrity who has battled arthritis. Singer, choreographer, and reality star Paula Abdul suffers from arthritis, carpal tunnel, and regional complex pain syndrome, which is similar to fibromyalgia. She encourages a positive outlook on life to lift one’s spirits and also donates her name and her time to causes that are related to empowering women, self-confidence for teens, physical disability and pain disorders. Actor Tobey Maguire – best known for his role as Spiderman – has severe and chronic back pain, as does screen legend Liz Taylor, who claims her scoliosis and chronic pain has “helped fuel her philantropic drive.” Athletes Joe Theissman and Shaquille O’Neal both have joint pain and confirmed arthritis. Emmy Award-winning talk show host, Montel Williams, suffers from arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis and has dedicated his life to helping create awareness on the subject of MS and other chronic pain and autoimmune disorders. Actress AJ Langer, best known for her role in the 90’s teen drama, My So Called Life, suffers from what she describes as debilitating fibromyalgia. She has taken it upon herself to speak out on the disease. Actress Jennie Garth (90210, What I Like About You) and husband, Peter Facinelli (Twilight, Nurse Jackie) have a daughter named Lola with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, specifically, Still’s Disease.
It is inspiring that so many famous people can shed some light on these debilitating and disabling conditions. It helps to have role models like Arnold Palmer, and the rest, to spread the word on arthritis, to promote wellness to encourage research, and to let everyday citizens of all ages know that they are not alone in fighting this battle.
So many people live with arthritis and other chronic conditions on a daily basis, hiding behind a smile, knowing that there is not much else that they can do but keep pushing on. “Success stories” from these celebrities, plus people such as Mr. Palmer, along with our honorees that you will be hearing much more about in upcoming weeks, can provide hope and inspiration to those of us who live with constant pain and chronic illness.
…Don’t Be IDLE, go WILD in the Highlands! ~ For further information on the 2009 Arthritis & Wellness Fall Walk, or to find out how to start a team or donate to the cause please visit: http://fallwalk.kintera.org
For more information on Mr. Arnold Palmer, please visit his official website, here: http://www.arnoldpalmer.com/
Thank you, and stay well!
Best,
~ Ashley Boynes
Community Development Director
WPA Chapter
No comments:
Post a Comment