Help Keely raise money

I have always admired runners. People who can wake up, hit the road or trail and just run. And so, during the pandemic, I decided to learn to run.

In late 2021 I completed a goal: I trained myself to be able to run 5k.
In May of 2022: I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 

A lifelong chronic illness and autoimmune disease, this diagnosis blindsided me. Suddenly I was living with pain in my feet, hands, shoulders, knees and I stopped being able to enjoy exercise and movement all together.

After my diagnosis, I was referred to the Arthritis Society of Canada, who provided me with critical post diagnosis resources, helping me to better understand this condition and adapt to my new life. As I started treatment, I learned more about Rheumatoid Arthritis and the important work the Arthritis Society does. They fund research projects, provide counseling and care services, support advocacy actions and have reached over 3.7 million people (myself included) with information and resources on arthritis. They were my first place I turned to when I needed to understand “what now”. 

With the support of my partner, my friends and the help provided by the Arthritis Society of Canada, I have started to adjust to life with RA. Through the last two years of navigating this disease and treatments, I have learned many things. But the biggest lesson has been a reminder about the profound power of movement. I continue to choose to move my body every day, in any way that I can, to keep myself both physically and mentally well.

And I want to encourage others to do the same. 

I am running 5k for the Arthritis Society of Canada on October 19, 2024, and would be so appreciative of your support. I want to choose movement and challenge my body while helping to give back to a group that assisted me so much and to support them as they continue the important work that they are doing for Arthritis sufferers across Canada. 

Sincerely,

Keely Gilroy