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National Walk Honorees
Though their smiling faces don’t show it, these young women live in pain every day. And because of that pain, they have had to give up things they love. For Amy Barron, a Cincinnati mother of two that means her long-standing career as a registered nurse. For Kristen Delaney, a Rockwell City, Iowa teenager, that means sports and activities like softball and volleyball. But instead of focusing on their pain or their loss, they have set their sights toward a different goal: Serving as national honorees for the Arthritis Walk to help the Arthritis Foundation raise funds to support research and programs in the prevention, control and eventual cure for arthritis.
Adult Honoree: Amy Barron
Diagnosed at the age of 38, Amy Barron lives each day with the challenges of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and six other types of arthritis. She has faced multiple surgeries on her joints, including a cartilage transplant and has even had to sacrifice a rewarding career as a newborn intensive care nurse. Through it all, Amy has maintained a sense of optimism and determination. She is fully committed to raising awareness of arthritis and empowering others with the disease to take control of their condition.
Amy began volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation as a grassroots advocate. In 2006, she joined her local Arthritis Walk Committee and went on to serve as the vice chairperson and honoree for her chapter in 2007. Amy also supports her local chapter by attending health fairs on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation and serving on the Programs and Education Committee.
Amy attributes advances in treatments options and her involvement with the Arthritis Foundation as critical to managing her health. She recognizes the need for those with arthritis to keep moving and encourages others to join her in classes such as the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatics Program. She believes it's never too late to get your joints moving.
Amy's personal goal is to reach out to as many people as possible and educate them about the many types of arthritis and the resources offered by the Arthritis Foundation. It is because of her tireless efforts and commitment to the Arthritis Foundation that Amy was selected as the 2008 honoree for the Arthritis Walk.
Youth Honoree: Kristen Delaney
Kristen Delaney has lived almost her entire young life with the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She was diagnosed at age 2, and now at age 16, she has taken on the role of vocal advocate for the cause of 46 million Americans living with arthritis. As a testament to her dedication and passion, Kristen has been named 2008 National Youth Honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s Arthritis Walk.
Kristen began her involvement with the Arthritis Foundation at age 6 when, through a scholarship from her local chapter, she was able to attend Camp Spirit, a camp especially for children with arthritis. This was the first time she came to understand that she was not alone in living with her disease. At age 16, Kristen spoke to our nation’s leaders as part of the Arthritis Foundation’s legislative advocacy day at the Capitol. Now she will use her platform as Arthritis Walk Honoree to continue raising awareness of arthritis.
Kristen’s desire to help others arose out of the difficulty arthritis has caused her in her daily life. Arthritis has made it hard for her to do many things she enjoys. She often misses school and even leisure time activities with her friends. Kristen’s RA has also forced her to give up her favorite sports: volleyball and softball.
Despite the challenges, Kristen has decided to focus more on things she can do rather than things she cannot. She dedicates herself to speaking out on arthritis and pursues her true passion for music and singing. Kristen also enjoys participating in 4-H, photography and public speaking competitions. By volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation and serving as an honoree for the Arthritis Walk, Kristen hopes to bring awareness of the disease and inspire those living with arthritis to continue striving to achieve their dreams.
