Senator Edward Kennedy was indeed a true friend of the arthritis community and a champion for the Arthritis Prevention Control and Cure Act.   We had the opportunity to honor him with the 2008 Advocacy Leadership Award. (http://www.arthritis.org/advocacy.php). 

During the 2007 Advocacy Summit I happened to run into Senator Kennedy's two Portugese Water Dogs - Splash & Sunny - just returning from a walk.  Being the proud owner of a PWD, I recognized them immediately, had my picture taken with them, and wrote to Senator Kennedy (letter attached).  I was thrilled to have him sign the picture which is proudly displayed in my office and will be treasured by me forever.

I visited lots of cities this morning including Seattle, Baltimore, Memphis, Detroit, Eau Clair, Fort Myers, Columbus, Mason City, Madison, and others I can’t remember at the moment,  Former Seattle Seahawk and Minnesota Viking NFL player Carlester Crumpler Jr. and I joined together (at 6:00 am !)  for a live satellite media tour to talk about the 2008 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis which will be held in 100 cities over the next 6 weeks.  We packed a lot of things into the interviews – Carlester’s commitment to eating better and staying fit to manage the arthritis in his knees (it’s working), the importance of Jingle Bell Runs in the community (increase needed awareness about arthritis, raise $$ for research and programs), and have fun), the National Sponsor (Thermacare) and where people can learn more (www.arthritis.org).  We took turns donning reindeer antlers and a Santa hat.   Carlester even managed to slip in that his younger brother Alge, a former Atlanta Falcon, now plays for the undefeated Tennessee Titans.  We’re hoping people out there were watching, listening and more importantly signing up to run in the JBR in their communities.  Maybe – just maybe – we can make the JBR a true happening that ushers in the Holidays for everyone who cares about arthritis.