Young Woman Shows Incredible Strength

By Jamie Lund
HPR Intern

Arthritis is a common joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints. With more than 100 types of this disorder, it can affect any joint in the body. Joint pain is often constant, making day to day activities unbearable at times.

Now imagine living with arthritis your entire life and not knowing any different. This is the case of 11 year old Mistiee Thymian of Fargo, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), at just a year old. This Saturday, December 3rd marks the 9th annual Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. And even more special this year, the event is honoring Mistiee as one of the 300,000 children living with arthritis.

Even though living with arthritis can be frustrating and concerning for anyone, Mistiee doesn’t let it get in her way. She admits to having good days that she savors when she can swim, and ride bikes with her friends. This may all seem “normal” to Mistiee, who doesn’t really remember her life before arthritis. “I may have been young when I got diagnosed with JRA,” says Mistiee, “but what some don’t know is that people of all ages can be affected by this disease.” Just like anyone though, she also admits to having bad days. Even though she sometimes has trouble walking, she feels lucky to have a medical regiment that has helped her immensely, and continues to work for her.

For those of you who do not suffer from a form of arthritis, here are a few statistics on the disorder that may be shocking. In a recent study, it was shown that 1 in 5 Americans have some form of arthritis. There are also more than 100 different types of this disorder, that may even effect people in multiple ways. Arthritis can be extremely painful, and not only affects joints, but other parts of the body as well. This Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk has been around for almost 10 years, and raises money to benefit The Arthritis Foundation, to fund continuing research. This foundation is the only national, non-profit organization that is committed to helping take greater control of arthritis. Their efforts are put forth to help prevent, control and cure this arthritis. It is quickly becoming one of the nation’s number one causes of disability.

So come out and join Mistiee at the Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk of Fargo-Moorhead to help raise awareness and funds to support the programs for the path to a cure for arthritis. The event will be held at the Courts Plus Fitness Center, at 3491 University Dr. S. in Fargo. Race day registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the run beginning at 9 a.m. All participants are encouraged to register online before Saturday at http://tiny.cc/jinglebell2011. Runners and walkers may also register the day of the race. All registration is now $30, and each participant will receive a free t-shirt. All of the money raised at this event will go directly to fund special programs and services for the estimated 2.2 million people living with arthritis in the Upper Midwest Region including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

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IF YOU GO:

WHAT: 9th Annual Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk
WHERE: Courts Plus, 3491 University Dr., Fargo
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m.
COST: $30 online or day of race