STORY - Woman with rheumatoid arthritis walks mile to save others from her suffering

May 2, 2005

Via Joan A.:

Woman with rheumatoid arthritis walks mile to save others from her suffering

Nearly 70 million Americans have arthritis. On Saturday people across the

country and in East Tennessee took part in the annual Arthritis Walk to help

raise awareness and funds to fight the disease.

The weather Saturday morning was not ideal for a walk, but it did not slow

anyone down, especially not Krystal Nunery.

" I'm going to walk that mile, " said Nunery.

Krystal has had rheumatoid arthritis since she was just twelve years old. In

the past 28 years, she has had 38 surgeries. But she still has to spend up

to 22 hours a day in bed.

" It's hard to dress myself. I had long hair, I had to get it cut real short

because my knuckle replacement, " said Nunery.

She says she has raised more than five hundred dollars from her doctor and

family members, even her 88-year-old grandmother has pitched in.

Now Krystal is ready to do her part. But when every step hurts, a mile is a

long way to go.

" My back is killing me right now, and my ankles are swollen, but it's OK.

I'll make it, " said Nunery.

She is determined. Not for herself, but to help prevent others from having

to go through what she deals with every day.

" It's too late for me, but it's something I've got to do for the children of

the future, " said Nunery.

It is not just the kids who are inspiring her.

" Christ and the Lord will be carrying me through this, " said Nunery.

Krystal says she will finish her mile no matter what.

" Very important, I will do it, there's no doubt, " said Nunery.

Krystal did do it. She managed to walk the whole mile. The arthritis walk in

Knoxville raised more than $36,000 in donations.

News

Herryn Riendeau , Reporter

Last updated: 4/30/2005 6:42:38 PM

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

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