Crickets.
But I have to do something. I have already joined team Bad to the Bone led by my friend Autumn who also just happens to be the Chairperson for the Arthritis Foundation Walk in San Francisco on May 30, 2009 and that's a good start. But it is a fund raiser, and I have to make some effort, no matter how painful to my inner introvert.
I've logged on through my team's donation page and set up a donation page of my own. We are hoping to raise $10,000 by race day. I have raised $50 which is the exact amount of my donation (you see how very bad I am at this?), but I wouldn't ask you to do anything I wouldn't do. It is very easy to donate online using a credit card, but if you prefer, you can download a donation form and send in a check. Anyone, anywhere can log on to this page and make a donation.
We also would love to welcome you as a team member if you want to participate in the event. You can join here. It's really going to be a fun time, Eye on the Bay television show's Liam Mayclem will be the emcee. The walk is dog friendly so consider bringing Mr. Fluffy Monster out too.
And now the official words:
Money raised through the Arthritis Walk will help fund the mission of the Arthritis Foundation, which is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. A substantial portion of the funds you help us raise go directly toward research to prevent and find a cure for arthritis. The funds you raise also help people who struggle with arthritis to make their lives the best they can be.
- More than 46 million Americans or one in five adults plus nearly 300,000 children have some form of doctor diagnosed arthritis.
- Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronichealth problems and the most common cause of disability.
- Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for millions of Americans.
- Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million hospitalizations.
- Arthritis costs the U.S. economy nearly$128 billion annually.
- Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children.
- Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected by arthritis are under age 65.
- Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints.
Please consider donating. I promise I won't hold it against you if you don't wish to or just can't. But if you can donate something, even a small amount, I will consider you a much better friend than those who can not.
Oh come on. I was kidding about that last part.
