Help Catharine raise money

Recently I found out from a close friend about the Virtual Art In Motion 10K/5K/2K Walk/Run, that was founded by her family a few years ago. This will be my first time participating, and I am currently accepting donations.

The money that is raised will go towards the Division of Rheumatology at SickKids Hospital, and The Dr.Bonnie Cameron Post-Secondary Scholarship (which helps individuals with arthritis pursue their post-secondary goals).  

Growing up, I have suffered quite a bit with back & balancing issues; especially when I was a kid. Even at first, I didn't crawl, just hopped around like a frog. I would also tend to sleep on the floor over the years because it felt firmer against my back. Things got worse about 7 years ago when I had a biking accident & flipped over the handlebars. I went for physio/ massage/ chiro...even had multiple x-rays, & nothing helped. But then I found out about an extra vertebrae in my spine; which could've been causing friction amongst my other joints/ bones (it's still TBD). I suffered & endured the pain more in University. I would bring a small pillow to classes because I couldn't sit in the lecture halls for more than sometimes 30 mins, let alone a couple hours. I just felt so hopeless, being unable to sleep & going through the motions of treatments & seeing different doctors/ specialists, trying to figure out what was wrong.

Finally, last year (summer 2020), I received some clarity when I was told that I have Osteoarthritis. Which given my age (23), is pretty uncommon. Typically when you hear the term "arthritis," you associate it with aging. The Osteoarthritis spread from my back into my hips; causing my joints & cartilage to break down (it is a degenerative joint disease), & reducing my range of mobility, preventing me from doing daily tasks. 

The worst point was probably when after receiving the news & driving more frequently, my legs would go numb, especially my right. There were even days where I had to pull my car over because I couldn't press the gas pedal & I was scared if I tried to continue. But sometimes even then, it would take at least 15 mins before I could feel anything again. I am always cracking too; not jokes, but my joints. Sometimes I barely move and it sounds like I just dislocated my hip...I often find myself clenching my fists at the bottom of my back in an attempt to alleviate some tension & sometimes push forward on my thighs which cracks my joints further, but does provide me with some relief temporarily.

As of late though, I have only really been able to go on walks, so that is why I am setting this goal for myself to complete 10km!If you have read all of this, then thank you so much!! And if you are unable to donate to my page, but still want to help, please share this event with anyone in the running/ walking community.  Thank you! :)