Runners jingle for arthritis cure

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Runners jingle for arthritis cure

Posted on Fri, Dec. 08, 2006

http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/16190824.htm

BRADENTON - The sound of tiny sleigh bells tinkled down the streets of

downtown Thursday evening, along with the patter of about 900 pairs of feet.

It wasn't a stampede of Santa's reindeer, but runners and walkers

participating in the 11th Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk.

The event has been a favorite for the running community because of its

relaxed and festive atmosphere at the beginning of the holiday season.

" I enjoy this run, " said Dunbar, who ran the 3.1 miles with four

friends. " It's something you don't usually do - run at night and with bells "

on your shoes.

Chiesa, who like Dunbar is training for a marathon at Disney World

next year, said she participated because she was among her friends.

That was Sandy Birczak's and Jill Clulow's reason for running the distance

from Main Street through Rossi Waterfront Park to Manatee Memorial Hospital

and back. They also liked the idea that it was for charity.

The Arthritis Foundation sponsored the run/walk, raising about $25,500 of

its $50,000 year-end goal.

Jay Burnell, the foundation's regional executive director for Southwest

Florida, said he was glad to see so many people come out for the run/walk.

" It's a wonderful event, " Burnell said. " It creates awareness in the

community about a disease that affects one out three Floridians. "

McGraw, who will be 12 on Wednesday, knows how important it is the

educate the public. He suffers from systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

" I spread the word that kids get arthritis, too, " said.

He rattled off statistics like he has repeated it many times before, which

he has.

has written to all the local public officials, state legislators

from the area and governors, asking for their support in funding research

for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

" Florida was the first state to pass the Arthritis Prevention and Cure Act, "

he said, " but they cut the funding for research. "

stood on the sidelines as he watched the runners and walkers come

across the finish line.

First to come across was 17-year-old Grantham of North Port, who

finished in 16 minutes and 32 seconds.

" A friend's dad brought us all up here to run, " Grantham said. " We thought

it would be fun. "

Not far behind Grantham was 12-year-old Hannah Howell, a sixth-grader at

Saint 's Episcopal School.

Hannah was the first female to cross the finish line and sixth overall, with

a time of 18 minutes, 25 seconds.

" I like to run, " she said. " Tonight I get fun out of it and help someone,

too. It makes it all the better. "

Not far behind Hannah was her brother, Toby, who is 9 and a fourth-grader at

Saint 's.

Their mother, Cheryl Howell, who did the run herself, said her children are

very athletic, and she thought this would be a good event for them to enter.

" They swim and play soccer, but I know they are good runners, " Howell said,

" so when you have the opportunity to run, especially in your back yard, and

for a good cause, we do. "