Thanks for an excellent JBR season thus far!

The Arthritis Foundation, Wisconsin Chapter would like to extend a special thank you to our volunteers, participants, and staff who helped make the Jingle Bell Run in Racine possible!

We had an excellent turnout on a chilly December day.  We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation, support, and enthusiasm throughout the JBR season with the Arthritis Foundation.

Don’t forget if you missed any of the Jingle Bell Runs up until this point there are still a few left to participant in!  We hope to see you there with bells on!

 

(12/11/10) – Eau Claire, http://www.jbreauclaire.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Madison, http://www.jbrmadison.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Marinette/Menominee, http://www.jbrmm.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Wausau, http://www.jbrwausau.kintera.org

JBR Racine is almost here!

The Jingle Bell Run in Racine is right around the corner!  It kicks off Saturday, December 4^th at 9:30 a.m. at Racine Lutheran High School.  Register online at www.jbrracine.kintera.org.  Registration fees are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.  Registration can also be done on race day between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.

 

Kid’s Race!
This year, we are holding a kid’s race at 9:00 AM prior to the 5K event. Participants in each age group will receive a prize.
Race 1: Children 3 and under, Children 4-6
Race 2: Children 7-8, Children 9-10
Children 10 & under are welcome to participate in both the Kid’s Race and the 5K event!

 

Pre-Event Packet Pickup
Save time in line and pick up your packet early! You may pick up your event materials on Friday, December 3 between 4:00 and 7:00 PM at Racine Lutheran High School, 251 Luedtke Ave, Racine.

AWARDS

Top Pledge-Raising Team
The team raising the most pledges will receive a team prize.
Largest Team
The team captain of the largest team will receive a prize.
Fastest Team
A traveling plaque will be awarded to the team finishing in first place, determined by the average time of the five fastest runners.
Team Spirit Award
This coveted award will go to the team displaying the most holiday enthusiasm before and during the event.
Team members are also eligible for individual pledge prizes and medals.

Individual Awards
The top overall male and female finishers will receive medals, as well as the top three male and female finishers in each of the following age brackets:
10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29
30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59
60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over

Costume Contest
Show your holiday spirit and don your most creative costume! Prizes will be awarded in the following categories during the post-event celebration:
Group: two or more individuals dressing with a common theme
Individual: best costume over the age of 12

Child: best costume for 12 and under

 

We hope to see everyone there with bells on!  But, if you can’t make this JBR, register for one of our other awesome races across the state:

 

(12/4/10) – Green Bay, http://www.jbrgreenbay.kintera.org

(12/4/10) – Janesville, http://www.jbrjanesville.kintera.org

(12/4/10) – Racine, http://www.jbrracine.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Eau Claire, http://www.jbreauclaire.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Madison, http://www.jbrmadison.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Marinette/Menominee, http://www.jbrmm.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Wausau, www.jbrwausau.kintera.org

JBR Milwaukee Pictures!

            The Jingle Bell Run at the Milwaukee County Zoo was once again a huge success!  Teams and individual runners came with their bells on ready to have some fun. 

            The race kicked off at 8:30 a.m. and over 4,000 participants lined up at the starting point.  Runners and walkers of all ages made their way through zoo just as the animals were beginning to wake up. 

            The Arthritis Foundation could not have asked for more perfect weather on this great day. The Arthritis Foundation would like to extend a special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this day possible, as well as everyone who participated in the Jingle Bell Run. 

            If you missed the Jingle Bell Run at the zoo, sign up to come to one of our other Jingle Bell Run events across the state!

(12/4/10) – Green Bay, http://www.jbrgreenbay.kintera.org

(12/4/10) – Janesville, http://www.jbrjanesville.kintera.org

(12/4/10) – Racine, http://www.jbrracine.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Eau Claire, http://www.jbreauclaire.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Madison, http://www.jbrmadison.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Marinette/Menominee, http://www.jbrmm.kintera.org

(12/11/10) – Wausau, www.jbrwausau.kintera.org

Check out the pictures from JBR at the zoo!

Scenes from the That’s the Spirit- Wine and Beer Tasting

Great drink, food, music and friends. What more could we ask for? It was a great time in Green Bay, WI on October 21, 2010 at the Tundra Lodge. To see more of the fun had at our sixth annual wine tasting event visit the Arthritis Foundation Northeast Wisconsin page on facebook. If you have photos from the event please share.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Arthritis-Foundation-Northeast-Wisconsin/114451255267298

Register your team TODAY for Jingle Bell Run!

Jingle Bell Run is approaching very quickly!  The deadline to register your team for JBR is today!  The race takes place on Sunday, November 7 at the Milwaukee County Zoo.  Creating a team to participate in the run/walk to support arthritis is fun and easy.

To create a team, first go to http://jbrmilwaukee.kintera.org. From there, click on “Sign Up”.  Then, you can simply choose to start a team, join a team, or join as an individual. 

Teams can create fundraising goals and team member goals once registered.  Donations can be made online as well.

Registering as an individual continues up until race day.  Registrations made before October 25 is $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.  Registrations made after October 25 is $30 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under.  Participants can also choose to be chip timed for an additional $3.

Registration on race day begins at 7:15 a.m. and the race kicks off at 8:30 a.m.

Please come join us on Sunday, November 7 at the Milwaukee County Zoo to support arthritis and kick off the season of giving!

For any additional questions please contact Gena Fischer at gfischer@arthritis.org.

Miranda’s Spirit

Jennifer hears sobs coming from her teenage daughter’s room at night. Most mothers might hear sounds like this from their daughters’ rooms and think it might be boy trouble or some other teenage drama. With the frequency she hears Miranda, 14, cry, Jennifer knows that it is the frustration of the pain and limitations of arthritis. At six, Miranda was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and a body scan revealed arthritis in all of her joints except the tips of her fingers and toes.

“If you know Miranda, she is always smiling and cheerful,” says Jennifer. But it’s a different story at home that a mother sees. “There is a 14-year old young woman who wonders why this is happening to her.”

Some nights she might cry because she is sick or in pain, or because she has to take so many of pills (up to 10 a day) or shots for her arthritis. Miranda’s difficulties with arthritis touch every area of her life. At school she was having difficulty writing and doing physical activities. She misses class often for the many trips to the doctor every time she is sick; she has to make the trip to Green Bay to see her specialist.

Anti-inflammatory medications and flare-ups caused Miranda to stop eating until she could control her JRA with biologic drugs. She is unable to join sports because she has osteoporosis, caused by some of her medications, that is so bad that she can break bones just by tripping. At 14, Miranda has the bones of a 70-year old. She had tried an arthritis exercise class but the older participants complained and didn’t understand that kids get arthritis too.

Miranda works to keep her spirits up. “Everyday when I wake up I think that, ‘today will be a good day and I won’t feel different because everyone is different in their own way’,” says Miranda.

Miranda thinks about what it would be like to live with out arthritis. “I would have fun. I wouldn’t have to worry about being different,” she says. “I will always remember those times that I was unable to do stuff that my friends were able to do.”

“It is frustrating for me as her parent to see her like this, but I cannot imagine what she goes through on a daily basis,” says Jennifer.

Miranda’s family says they have found support from the Arthritis Foundation in their programs and Miranda has been fortunate enough to receive scholarships to Camp M.A.S.H. Camp M.A.S.H. is a six-day residential camping experience for children ages 9 to 17 years old that have some form of JA or related condition. “It’s a place where kids with this disease can fit in,” says Miranda.

The Arthritis Foundation admires Miranda’s spirit as she faces the many difficulties that come with arthritis. Miranda will be highlighted in the Spirit Gallery at the That’s the Spirit- Wine and Beer Tasting to Benefit the Arthritis Foundation on Thursday, October 21, 2010 in Green Bay, WI at the Tundra Lodge. For more information on the event, please visit http://www.thatsthespirit.kintera.org.

Emily’s Spirit

  There is no jumping out of bed to tackle the day for some including Emily, 13, of Manitowoc who will be speaking at the That’s the Spirit- Wine and Beer Tasting to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The day must be tackled slowly for Emily who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and uevitis at the age of 8. Tasks like getting out of bed and getting dressed are made more difficult by her arthritis. “What helps me is my mom massaging my feet before I get up,” says Emily. 

Emily wasn’t diagnosed until the age of 8 but her mother, Lisa, believes their battle started much earlier. When Emily was two she had a knee infection that required hospitalization and many medical tests and visits that resulted in inconclusive results. At age 5 she developed Kawasaki Disease and was again hospitalized in Manitowoc and at Children’s in Milwaukee. Emily responded well to the treatment with no residual effects on her health. After her JRA diagnosis the doctors and cardiologists began to question Emily’s other medical issues and felt that the two earlier episodes may have actually been severe arthritis flares.

In addition to the arthritis, Emily was diagnosed with uevitis in her right eye. Children diagnosed with uevitis are most often those who have also been diagnosed with arthritis. This is an inflammation that left untreated can cause blindness; however, the treatment of steroid eye drops can cause cataracts. Emily has had to use eye drops every day for the last 5 years. Two years ago she had a lens implant because of a severe cataract.

Diagnosis has helped in the management of her disease but the inflammation in her joints and the limitations caused by arthritis can be frustrating so it’s a helpful for her to attend Camp MASH (Make Arthritis Stop Hurting) where she can be around peers who face similar limitations. Camp MASH happens every summer for 6 days at Camp Wabeek in Wisconsin Dells.

Emily has attended Camp MASH for four years and loves it. “The first year I was nervous but the counselors made me comfortable and we all had lots of fun,” says Emily.

“I wish camp happened more than once a year,” says Emily. She says it’s nice to go back every year and see friends. “I’ll go until I’m too old and then go back as a counselor.”

Lisa says programs, like Camp Mash and the Juvenile Arthritis Conferences, help her family connect with others going through the same thing. “Our family has attended three national Juvenile Arthritis Conferences in Atlanta, GA: Hershey, PA and Houston, TX. At the conferences the children participate in activities by age groups while parents attend educational and therapeutic sessions. Emily has made many friends at camp and the conferences. ”

Lisa and Emily will be speaking at the That’s the Spirit- Wine and Beer Tasting to benefit the Arthritis Foundation on October 21, 2010 at the Tundra Lodge. They will be sharing their story to help raise awareness. To learn more about the event please visit, www.thatsthespirit.kintera.org.

Lisa says their family is happy to be a part of the fundraiser. “All those in the community who support or contribute to the Arthritis Foundation and fundraisers like this one support programs that help people of all ages and help kids, like Emily, attend Camp Mash.”

 

That’s the Spirit!

Looking for a fun way to make a difference? Raise a glass and join us at the 6^th Annual That’s the Spirit Wine & Beer Tasting to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The event will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2008 from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Tundra Lodge Resort & Conference Center in Green Bay. 

 The Spirit is the kindness and generosity of participants for the past five years who have demonstrated the true meaning of community – a community the Arthritis Foundation proudly serves. Join us to celebrate the Spirit in the Stadium District of Green Bay where you’ll enjoy entertainment, raffles, games and fantastic live and silent auction items.

Join our host, WBAY TV 2 Meteorologist, George Graphos and News Anchorman, Bill Jartz, as auctioneer for a wonderful evening of wine, food, silent and live auctions. Warm your spirit with the conversation of friends and the live music of John Bowen.

The proceeds of the event will go to support the programs, services and important research that the Arthritis Foundation does for the 1.1 million Wisconsin residents who suffer from the painful effects of arthritis. Tickets are $35 before October 21 and $40 at the door.

Registration or more information can be obtained by calling the Arthritis Foundation at (920) 330-0592 or visit www.thatsthespirit.kintera.org

A Black and White Affair

Our annual Mystery Ball held at the beautiful Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, was once again a huge success!  The ball took place on Saturday, October 2 in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.  Couples and friends of all ages showed up dressed to impress in order to help raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.  Over 250 guests attended, and everyone’s support and generosity was greatly appreciated!

The theme of this year’s Mystery Ball, “Step Right Up To A Cure,” was a huge hit!  The event consisted of everything from a silent auction, to midway games and raffle prizes, to dinner and dancing.  The cirucs themed event got rave reviews by attendees.

During dinner, circus entertainment was provided by T.J. Howell.  His personality and tricks kept guests laughing and applauding.  The event also featured prizes and auction items such as weekend getaways to Lake Geneva and Door County, Airtran Airways tickets, and Packers tickets.

 The Arthritis Foundation would like to extend a big thank you everyone who attended and volunteered at the 2010 Mystery Ball, as well as a special thanks to Skip Meucci of Event Photography for the great pictures featured on this post.  We would also like to thank everyone who donated auction items to the ever-successful silent auction.  We had a great turn out and had lots of fun.  We look forward to seeing everyone again next year on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

Team Tips & Fundraising Hints

’Tis the season for teams, fundraising, and fun!  In other words, it’s time to start gearing up for the 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk (JBR) events across Wisconsin.  Remember, there are two important things to keep in mind while warming up for the run: building your team and fundraising for the Arthritis Foundation!

To start building your team, inform everyone you know about the Jingle Bell Run.  Recruit your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to join your team!  Every team must have at least ten members, but why stop there?  Encourage team members to invite more people so that team building is a group effort.

Registering a team is easy to do.  Teams can be registered online at any one of the JBR websites by simply clicking on the “Sign Up” button.  From there you can personalize your webpage, and send out e-mails to friends and family inviting them to sign up for your team or make a donation!  Teams can also be registered on paper forms; distribute registration forms to everyone and anyone who is interested.  Each team for JBR needs to have a team captain.

Team captains are responsible for:

• Recruiting as many team members as you can in the fight against arthritis
• Raising funds by demonstrating initiative and leadership in your team’s fundraising efforts
• Providing support to team members
• Helping team members register and fundraise
• Serving as the primary point of communication between your team and the Arthritis Foundation

This year, we are hoping to make the JBR season the most successful one yet! Your team can get the bell jingling by fundraising individually as a team!

Follow these 8 easy steps to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation:

1. Start with your own donation of $10
2. Ask three family members to sponsor you for $25
3. Ask five friends to sponsor you for $20
4. Ask five co-workers to sponsor you for $10
5. Ask five neighbors to sponsor you for $20
6. Ask four people from your religious or social organization to sponsor you for $10
7. Ask your boss for a company contribution of $50 and ask if your company has a corporate matching gift program
8. Ask three businesses you frequently visit for $25 (doctor, dentist, hair stylist, dry cleaner, mechanic, coffee shop)

If you complete all eight steps successfully, you will have just raised $500!  Think about it.  If you have a team of 10 members and each member does this process, your team alone has just raised $5,000!  Every dollar counts.

Doing fundraisers with your team can be fun and easy, too.  Have a rummage sale in your company parking lot or at your home, and have all your family, friends, and team members bring items to sell.  This is a quick and easy way to raise a lot of money in a short amount of time, not to mention you get some bonus house cleaning in, too.

Does your company have a “Casual Friday”?  Check with your HR department and then next Friday at work, have everyone chip in $5 in order to be able to dress casually.  Have all team members try to get their companies involved in a casual day!

Captains and team members can also get the word out by sending e-mails, or using social media tools like blogs, Twitter, and Facebook.

Set some goals for your team and challenge each other to reach them!  Support the Arthritis Foundation by racing your way across the finish line with as many little elves with you as possible!

For more information on the 2010 Jingle Bell Run at the Milwaukee County Zoo, please visit www.jbrmilwaukee.kintera.org.