Walk for RA!

Over the years, I've shared lots of things about my partner Michelle on my blog. I've shown dozens of pictures of socks I've knit for her, pictures of our Commitment Ceremony, stories about her making a helmet out of a watermelon, and many more slices of our life. I have also shared with you the trials that we've been through before and since Michelle's diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Michelle was diagnosed about four years ago. We were confused and worried about her symptoms for about a year before that. She has been on numerous medications- given herself injections and received infusions. We've had two scary ER visits and untold numbers of doctors' visits. Over the years, RA has taken things away from Michelle. She seldom can take a long car ride. She no longers rides roller coasters. No longer goes bowling with friends. Rarely can tolerate high heels, even on the fanciest of occasions. The times I see the RA affect Michelle the most are when it impedes her from doing things she really LOVES- painting, knitting, lifting our nieces and nephew.

RA has also given us many gifts. We are both more patient. We are compassionate. We have more empathy for the struggles of other people with chronic pain or a disability. We treasure the days when Michelle feels good, for the times when the meds are working.

We've decided to do the Philadelphia Arthritis Walk this year. We'll be Team Monkey (because it's silly and fun). We have a team fundraising goal of $2000. My personal goal is $500.

So many times in our relationship, I have felt powerless against Michelle's RA-- as though there is nothing I can do. This, though, this I can do. I can raise money and I can walk.

So this is me asking you to donate, either to me directly, or to Team Monkey.

Raffle Prizes!

Each donation in increments of $10 will earn a raffle ticket. $50 is 5 tickets, $100 is 10, etc. All knitters and knitting bloggers who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a skein of Tess' Sock Yarn (to be purchased at Maryland Sheep and Wool this weekend). All non-knitters will be entered into a drawing for a fun, non-knitting prize of your choice- a $25 Borders gift card or a pair of socks hand-knitted by me!

If I raise $250 by Saturday, I'll buy 2 skeins of Tess' to raffle off. For each additional $100 beyond that amount (and beyond MS&W), I'll buy enough Socks that Rock yarn for a pair. The number of non-knitter prizes will be determined by the same formula- 2 prizes after $250, 1 additional prize for each additional $100.

If you would like to be entered into the raffle drawings, after donating, please send an email to arthritiswalkprizes at gmail. Please indicate the amount of your donation and which drawing you'd like to enter.

My thanks in advance to any little amount you may be able to donate. $5 or $10 is much appreciated-- a little goes a long way. If you are willing to help spread the word on your blog, I'd be most grateful. Leave a comment and let me know so I can keep you in my grateful thoughts!

Thank you all for supporting Michelle and for your support of the Arthritis Foundation. 

Comments

[margene]

Have fun in MD and good luck with your fund raising!

[kathleen]

count me in baby. drew a tear with the gifts adversity brings to our lives...patience. isn't it the truth. hugs.

[brenda in toronto]

count me in too. i've followed your and michelle's story for several years now, and have always been touched by the love, commitment and wisdom you both have. {{hugs}}

[Danielle]

Good luck! I have a friend in her late 20's, also named Michelle, who has suffered from RA for several years. She sounds like your Michelle -- very positive and upbeat, despite the bad days.

[Donna]

Hi Christy,

I don't know if I've ever told you, but I first "met" you and Michelle after I did a blog search for knitters with arthritis. I think that was either 2003 or 2004, and you guys have been such a blessing to me ever since.

I started out wanting to know how other people with arthritis continued to knit and grew to love you both. Your knitting creativity, Michelle's art, and the courage both of you show everyday are so amazing.

You are strong women and give me hope for the future; a future where Morgan can be herself, where things like arthritis are made the priority they should be, and where people create beauty no matter what.

Your generation gives me so much hope! For someone my age, it is wonderful to see the changes younger women are making by confronting things as they are and demanding improvements. This is a great cause, and I'm thankful you and Michelle are making your mark on your community as a whole.

If it's ok, I'll put up a link on my very tiny blog for Team Monkey.

love to you both,
Donna

[jillian]

I found my way over via Beach Knits. Count me in! I can start to understand how brave it is for Michelle to participate in this walk and how difficult it may be, as someone with a chronic pain condition (FMS). Good luck!