Youngster to carry banner for 2008 Arthritis Walk
The Arthritis Foundation, New Jersey Chapter, has named Hannah Teitelbaum of Manalapan as youth chair of the 2008 ArthritisWalk to be held at Jenkinson's Pavilion in Point Pleasant in April.

Hannah Teitelbaum

As chair, Hannah, 10, will have the opportunity to speak out about her life as a child with arthritis and to serve as a leader along with many other volunteers who are eager to make a difference in the lives of people affected by arthritis.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's annual signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. This spring Arthritis Walk events will kick off in more than 400 communities across the United States, according to a press release.

Hannah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was 17 months old.

"Even though you have it you can still do things you want to do," said Hannah, who is in the fourth grade and who enjoys drawing, sculpting and being a member of her school choir.

"It's frustrating," Hannah said when asked about how she views her life with arthritis. Still, Hannah feels it is something she is used to and something she lives with everyday.

Hannah's mom, Sue, said, "Children with the condition may need extra help, but they can do anything they want to do."

Their main goal is awareness.

"Educators need to be informed and aware that children can get arthritis. Parents also need to know that their children have rights as students," Sue said.

The ArthritisWalk is a community event. Teams from schools, houses of worship, local businesses, civic groups and neighborhoods come together to show support for those who battle this disease.

Teams are forming now for the ArthritisWalk to be held April 27 at Jenkinson's Pavilion in Point Pleasant. To register a team or to volunteer, contact the Arthritis Foundation at (732) 283- 4300 or register online at www.arthritis.org, keyword: New Jersey.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases, the nation's No. 1 cause of disability, according to the press release.