The 5th Annual Prince William County Arthritis Walk will be Saturday at Forest Park High School.
Activities and walk-in registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for those who did not pre-register online. Opening ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. with the presentation of colors by VFW Post 1503, and members of the New Dominion Choraliers of Prince William County will sing the national anthem.
"Let's Move Together" is the Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide event that that is meant to raise awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability.
By building a team of friends and family to participate, walkers are helping raise funds to support local programs, services and critical research that will one day lead to a cure.
Anyone raising $100 will get a T-shirt, and additional prizes are given for those raising more. Fundraising efforts will continue until Oct. 30, so people can walk first and then collect and send in donations. Last year's arthri-tis walk raised $18,000.
The walk is 5K with a one-mile option. Participants will actually walk on the school track, so they can walk as many times around as they are able. Activities include a sponsor expo with local sponsors and businesses, a "Kids Corner" hosted by Lorraine's Little Angels, a DJ, music, food, silent auction and raffles.
Dogs are not allowed at the school. Many arthritis walks around the country are dog-friendly, depending on the location. Dogs -- and many other animals -- get arthritis, too, and the Arthritis Foundation provides medication and support for them as well.
Each year's arthritis walk has a youth honoree or "hero" who is a child in the community with arthritis.
The 2009 Hero is Kayleigh Smith. Kayleigh, 12, attends Benton Middle School. She was 3 when she was diagnosed with poli articular juvenile arthritis, a disease that affects five or more joints. Her mother also suffers from this. Kayleigh's wrists, knees, neck, jaw and feet are stricken with the disease. She is unable to walk for long periods of time.
Thanks to the Arthritis Foundation and advances in medical care, Kayleigh was able to participate in tae kwon do and achieved the rank of blue belt. Tune in to Comcast Channel 2 to see an interview with Kayleigh and her mother.
For information, call Sandy Grady at 804-359-1700, Ext. 310.
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