Hi everyone, it's Sam here!!
I am the lucky step-mom to a fantastic 10 year old girl named Riley!
Many of you are parents and you can understand how frightened, worried and helpless both her mom, my partner Brenda, and I were when Riley was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid/Idiopatic Arthritis at the age of 8. Last year I introduced you to Riley. Since the time of her diagnosis Riley has been through endless testing and treatement. She has been on various immune-suppressing medications that have each had their own benefits and challenges. Brenda and I have watched Riley change and evolve into a strong young person, unwillling to be negatively affected by this disease. She tries out for the track team, continues to ride horses and will NOT let her diagnosis slow her down!
We are blessed to be in the fantastic care of the Paediatric Rheumatology department at McMaster Children's Hospital.
We are currently fundraising, here at the office, to raise money to support Riley (and our Team Riley group - found under the team tab when you click the DONATE button when you click through here (or visit the walktofightarthritis.ca page) secure.arthritisevents.ca/reg…/FundraisingPage.aspx…
I was so grateful and honoured at the support all of you showed us last year. We would LOVE your support again!! Please come in to make a donation AND plan to walk with us on the 5th of June at 9:00 a.m. at Dundurn Park in Hamilton! It would make us so proud to have you join us at the walk and support everyone, especially young children, fighting this disease!!
Here are a couple of pictures of our group from last year (Riley is the blond in the front with the horse hat and green water bag). . . and one of Rod with Riley and her buddy Lauren!
