Fri Feb 03 2012
by Laura Freeman
Reporter
Hudson -- Like the 1 million Northeast Ohioans with arthritis, Anna Faust of Hudson has to put some extra effort in the movements that the rest of us take for granted.
Her joints can become painful and swollen, she tires easily, and she uses medicine and physical therapy to help control her symptoms.
Unlike what many consider the typical person with arthritis, Anna is only 6 years old.
To help her daughter and others with arthritis, Anna's mother, Megan Faust, is serving as co-chair of the Red & White on Thursday Night event Jan. 28 to benefit the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter. The event includes wine tasting and a dinner party with food from more than 20 area restaurants and wines from more than 70 wineries from around the world.
Anna, a kindergartner at Evamere in Hudson, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was 18 months old.
"Before Anna was diagnosed, I didn't know that children get arthritis," said her mother.
Most people who learn about her condition have the same reaction, she added.
"More than 300,000 children in America have arthritis and related diseases, yet it's often thought of as an older person's disease," said Mary Kudasick, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio Chapter. "We're working to change that perception."
In addition to raising awareness of the disease, the goal of the Red & White on Thursday Night is to generate more than $100,000 to improve the lives of those with arthritis. Money raised will fund research to help prevent, control and eventually cure the disease.
"Arthritis limits everyday activities, such as walking and dressing," said Gregory A. Vrabec of Akron General and honorary chair of the benefit. "Through this amazing event we are able to raise critical funds to help support the nearly 1 million people of all ages in Northeastern Ohio who are suffering from the disease."
For the Faust family, the fundraiser is personal.
Megan Faust said Anna first showed signs of the degenerative disease at 18 months when her knee swelled while the family was on vacation. She was unable to walk on the beach.
The doctors didn't know what was happening, Megan said. Anna was a seemingly healthy child, except for one significantly swollen knee. Doctors tested for bone cancer.
"We were not familiar with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but were relieved that was what it was," Megan said. "When they talked about cancer, we thought the worst. My husband and I said, 'We can deal with this.'"
In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and abnormal bone growth, Megan said. The joints become swollen and painful.
In addition to taking medication, Anna undergoes physical therapy and is encouraged to be active.
"The movement is good for her," Megan said.
Her parents have to be careful about letting Anna play some sports because they can jar the joints.
"We let her be our guide," Megan said. "If she wants to try something, we won't say no."
Anna recently started playing soccer.
"She had to sit part of the time," her mother said. "She was tired. It takes extra effort to move, and she tires easily, but other days you would never know anything was wrong."
Anna participated in a walk for arthritis at the Cleveland Zoo last year. She is saving her money and plans to participate again this year, according to her mother. She wants to ask her classmates to join her.
Presented by Akron General, Red & White on Thursday Night Jan. 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Akron's John S. Knight Center includes live and silent auctions, a raffle for a trip to Napa Valley, a Vegas roll-off dice game, "Bagging it for a Cure" bean bag toss, and "Key to a Cure" auction.
Tickets are $85 in advance and $95 at the door. VIP tickets are $125.
Tickets are available at www.RedAndWhiteonThursdayNight.Eventbrite.com or by calling 330-644-3390 ext. 11.
E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150
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