For anyone that deals with a chronic disease like arthritis, there are good days and not so good days. I have a form of arthritis called Systemic Lupus Erythematosis. Yes, lupus. The disease that seemed to be every other diagnosis on House. Drove me crazy. But it’s the kind of disease that is so difficult to diagnose, has so many symptoms and side effects that on the average it can take 7-10 years to diagnose. So that’s why in my personal library there are many cookbooks filled with recipes that are good for me. They’re not going to cure anything, but I know firsthand when I eat well and exercise, I can feel better. Of course, I’m an adult and can supposedly make those big-girl decisions on what is right and wrong, and how to explain to a doctor what’s going on when things are going wrong. But imagine you’re just a child, and you can’t really put into words why you’re not able to keep up with the other kids. You don’t know why you’re in pain, and some adults might think there’s nothing really wrong with you, and treat you in an unkind way. Kids get arthritis too, which is why I’d like to invite you join the Arthritis Foundation for Creaky Bone VIII this Thursday at the Pier in St Pete, and for the Jingle Bell Run December 15^th. We had our kickoff event recently, and I was introduced to a quiet young man by the name of Trent Diebold and his family. His mom, Angie, spoke to us about Trent’s battle with Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis and how they’ve coped. She had to struggle with tears as she told us Trent’s story, and it was Trent who left his seat at our table and went up to hug his Mom and be strong for her. We do everything we can  for kids like Trent and so many others, for everyone that has to live with the pain and the uncertainty. Take a moment to see Trent’s story and why not join us at an Arthritis event soon?

   We need you to help us raise money for research, education and to help kids like Trent have a better quality of life. For everyone to have a better outlook when it comes to dealing with a chronic disease. Register now at creakybonesstpete.kintera.org and if you need more information or have questions, please call the Arthritis Foundation at (813) 968-7000. Trent has his own team for the Jingle Bell Run and is our child honoree. If you’d like to join "Tad’s Team" just click here. Right now Trent and his mom are the top fundraisers, but they love competition!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

"Ahhhh....These are all MY People!" - Trent Dibold at last year’s Jingle Bell Run