Ruth Stevenson

  WHERE GRUELLING AND INSPIRATION MEET

Marie Lloyd is more than just "Mom" to me. she has been my best friend, my inspiration and my strength for as long as I can remember. We are each other's "Arthritis Hero". Mom was diagnosed with osteoarthritis a few years ago and we can relate to each other when we discuss finger dexterity, pain and mobility issues.

My name is Ruth Stevenson and I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis over 23 years ago. The disease was very aggressive in the early stages and I developed a lot of joint damage to my hands and feet. I have had four corrective surgeries which greatly enhanced my quality of life. I don't know what the future holds but I have been fortunate to be in remission for the last ten years.

We joined The Arthritis Society's Joint in Motion (JIM) Training Team to support each other and raise money for arthritis research, client services and education programs in Canada.

Mom and I wondered if we would be able to raise $3,500.00 each - that seemed like a huge committment! We started our fundraising early to leave ample time for the training. We sent out letters to family and friends, canvassed door to door and held a steak night. Even though we live in separate cities, we talked on the phone every night to share our accomplishments and encourage each other through both fundraising activities and training. We ended up raising over $13,000.00 between the two of us and totally enjoyed the challenge.

Our training began in the summer - walking, swimming and lifting small weights. We did have a couple of minor setbacks, but rest, planning ahead and deep rub ointments work wonders!

As January 7, 2001 and the Walt Disney World Marathon arrived, we were feeling up to the challenge. Can anything prepare you for 18,000 participants, fireworks and Mickey Mouse giving us the send-off?

It was great to chat with other participants along the way and the marathon staff were amazing, continually giving us high fives and cheering us on along the route. Before we knew it, we were passed the half-way mark and it was then we realized the fundraising had been the easy part! It was early in the a.m. and cold when we began the race, soon to be faced with peeling off the layers - clothes and garbage bags lay along the sides of the route. Miles 10 - 13 were obviously the toughest ones - but the determination was there, too! We were never so happy to see the finish line and step across it.

We had a fair bit of pain in our ankles and feet at this point - but ahhh the medal. We were congratulated, wrapped in a foil blanket and adorned with our Donald Duck medal! What a mixed bag of emotions! It didn't seem to be real and yet it was over!!!

I had never taken on such a big goal before and I must admit - there were times when I had some doubts! Talk about a win-win situation. Besides the money, we also raised alot of awareness for arthritis, a disease that affects 140,000 people in Saskatchewan and over 4 million people in Canada.

My Mom and I benefitted greatly by following the training schedule and have gained a lot more strength, endurance and improved balance. By being a part of this Marathon and accomplishing our goal, we have gained a lot of self-confidence and belief in ourselves. I feel I can do anything, now!

This experience was totally awesome and if you are thinking about joining the next Joints in Motion Training Team for an opportunity of a lifetime - my advice would be, sign up immediately!!! If I can do it - anyone can. Best of Luck to all of you!

This page was last reviewed/updated on : 12/27/2007