Thursday, June 25, 2009

Summer Time

It is officially summer here at the Rocky Mountain Chapter and the temps have spurred outdoor fun and activities both in our work and personal lives.

We start off the summer with a HUGE thank you to our volunteers. We are holding a BBQ and picnic on the evening of June 24th to recognize and to thank the many people who support and assist us with our governance, programs and special events. We have had the pleasure of working with many terrific volunteers. They are passionate about the mission! We also manage to have some fun along the way.

Other significant summer events include our Juvenile Arthritis Camp in Estes Park the week of July 19th and our Annual Membership Meeting the evening of August 18th. We are also putting together a kick-ball tourney for the young AND older adults out there in Denver. Come join us for one or all. Information is posted on the website.

Here’s hoping we will see you soon and that you have a safe and fun-filled summer.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

May is over

Hard to believe that May has already come and gone. What a fantastic month for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the AF! Our two walks featured so many wonderful people out to raise money for a great cause, including the many who braved the chill, rain and sleet in Colorado Springs on May 2. The Denver walk on May 17 saw over 1,000 people in attendance – a definite record! Both events were preceded by the Evening of Honors Gala, a great night during which we honored some very worthwhile individuals and treated the hundreds of people in the audience to a night of joyous celebration and entertainment, featuring sports icon Roy Firestone. It is humbling to witness the many individuals who, despite the challenges of the economy, continue to give and support our very important mission. The need continues unabated, and though we sometimes struggle to make everything work, we know we do it all for a good cause – the 46 million people living with the challenges of arthritis. Great things await us this year, and we remain optimistic that we will continue to be able to serve the people of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana who so desperately need our programs, research and support.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

THINGS ARE GROWING!

At last the time of year when rain and sunshine helps to get everything outside turning green and growing. This also makes it better to get out and exercise those limbs and muscles. If any question on how much and what type of exercise, the Arthritis Foundation can provide some information to help you. Listen to you body on what you can actually do and should not do. I try to make the best use of my time during the summer to get some sunshine and exercise (Golf, yard work, walking) are some of things that I am looking forward to.

It has been very rewarding to me over the past few months to listen to people talk in an upbeat and positive way about how they are handling their arthritis. We are having a picnic for all the great volunteers that help us in the office and at all of our events on Wednesday June 24th. I and the staff look forward to this time to say thanks and visit with everyone that can share this time with us.

Friday, June 5, 2009

New Experiences!

Every day life brings us new challenges to conquer and those living with arthritis are no exception. On Saturday, June 6th the Southern Colorado Office of the Arthritis Foundation will present an Arthritis Answers Education Day. Our goal is to help you conquer those challenges. There are three speakers, each addressing a different health challenges from eating well and healing ourselves from the inside out to an OA update while discussing arthritis of the foot and ankle as it relates to gout. Our host for this event is The Palisades at Broadmoor Court.

The Southern Colorado office moved this week and you can find us now located within ViewPointe Retirement Community. The address is 555 S. Rockrimmon Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Challenges were conquered! The staff and residents have been wonderful to us in getting settled in our new home. As you enter, you will probably be greeted by their 4- legged ambassador, Tucker, while classical music plays. A very sweet group of retirees playing bridge or sitting by the fire. A charming place to be. New friends!