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| Wilbraham Nine-year-old Ashley Gurney has been selected to serve as Child Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation's Fourth Annual Western Massachusetts Arthritis Walk, taking place Oct. 19 at Forest Park in Springfield. Her grandmother, Sue Agnew, has been selected to serve as Adult Ambassador alongside her granddaughter. Ashley was conclusively diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of seven, after about a year of symptomatic pain that started in her jaw. Sue was diagnosed with osteoarthritis about five years before Ashley's diagnosis. Although Sue certainly sympathizes with the physical pain her granddaughter feels, she explains that it is harder for her to relate to the emotional toll having arthritis can take on such a young child. Both grandmother and granddaughter have discovered arthritis pain relief in the form of swimming. Ashley always loved to play sports, but unfortunately had to limit her involvement due to the pain in her ankles and knees. Ashley has remained determined to be active, and instead of giving up sports, she decided to switch from soccer and baseball to swimming, at the encouragement of her grandmother. Her athletic aptitude transferred easily to a new sport, and she has excelled on a competitive swim team, helping her team to come in first at the championship meet. Sue suggested swimming to Ashley because Sue herself has found it to be helpful in dealing with her arthritis. She always swam leisurely but once she was diagnosed became more serious about the sport. She now swims laps and participates in a water aerobics class. She believes the swimming has helped ease joint pain, manage her weight and get her in better shape. The Gurney/Agnew family participated in their first Arthritis Walk in 2006, shortly after Ashley's diagnosis. This year will mark their third year walking as members of "Ashley's Shamrocks!" Their fundraising efforts have paid off, raising thousands of dollars for the Arthritis Foundation so far. Their goal is even higher for 2008. Come out and help the Gurney/Agnew family meet their fundraising goal for the Arthritis Foundation this year, and join in on the fun! All funds raised will go to the Arthritis Foundation to support critical arthritis research and important community health programs. While encouraged by the progression in better treatment for arthritis that has made Ashley's life easier, her mother Rebecca hopes that the money raised can go even further. "All the support we can get is greatly appreciated and very much needed," she said. "The medications these children take are extremely costly even with insurance coverage. The sooner we find a cure the better the quality of life these children and their families will have." The Fourth Annual Western Massachusetts Arthritis Walk will take place on Oct. 19, rain or shine. The event offers participants a choice of a one-mile or three-mile route, beginning and ending at Forest Park. To make a donation on Ashley or Sue's behalf, or to learn more about how you can participate in the Western Massachusetts Arthritis Walk, contact Jennifer Capshaw at the Arthritis Foundation at (617) 219-8225 or visit www.westernmassarthritiswalk.kintera.org. The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, not-for-profit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and find a cure. |