EDISON — The Arthritis Foundation’s New Jersey chapter has named Taylor Pavey of Woodbridge as youth chair of the 2010 Middlesex County Arthritis Walk, to be held at Middlesex County College on May 16.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. with movement demos, vendors, free massages, live entertainment, kids’ activities and other events. Participants will begin walking a one-mile route with a three-mile option at 10 a.m.
As youth chair, Pavey will have the opportunity to speak out about life with arthritis and serve as a leader along with many other volunteers seeking to make a difference in the lives of children and adults suffering from arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation’s annual walks are set up in more than 400 communities, serving as a gathering place for families affected by arthritis and also as an educational ground to inform the public and raise awareness about the leading causes of disability.
Taylor, 10, was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis arthritis when she was 7. The disease causes a skin rash and weak muscles in children. Taylor tries to remain as active as possible by playing recreational basketball and participating in Pop Warner cheerleading.
“She enjoys art and has been doing that since she was very little. … It helps with her movement,” Taylor’s mom, Angela Pavey, said.
Though Taylor gets tired often, she doesn’t let her arthritis slow her down, especially during the Arthritis Walk season.
“I want people to know that arthritis affects millions of people and it hurts bad and makes you tired,” she said. “I want to raise money — the most money ever — and find a cure.”
According to the organization, more than 1.7 million New Jersey residents suffer from arthritis. Approximately 10,000 of them are children.
To register as a team or an individual walker for the May 16 event in Edison, call 732-283-4300, ext. 329, or go online to http://msxaw.kintera.org.