6-Year-Old Broomall Boy Honored by Local Arthritis Foundation at Annual Charity Walk

BROOMALL–Shortly before his second birthday, Joseph Verrekia began complaining of pain in his legs, which soon became extreme swelling so debilitating that he had to be rushed to the emergency room. After months of x-rays, misdiagnoses, and unanswered questions, he was finally correctly diagnosed at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. 

“The arthritis diagnosis was completely out of left field. I thought it was something that only affected adults. When we first heard that it was arthritis we had no idea what that meant for a kid,” said Julie Verrekia, Joseph’s mother. 

Now six years old, Joseph is an active child who plays soccer, despite the joint pain he still experiences. For his courage in standing up to arthritis, he is being recognized by the Arthritis Foundation's Eastern PA Chapter at the foundation’s Annual Jingle Bell Walk/Run on Dec. 11, 2011 in Malvern, PA. 

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 50 million people in the United States are affected by arthritis, 300,000 of whom are under the age of sixteen. 

“Many people don’t realize that individuals of all ages, including kids, suffer from arthritis,” said Cheryl Lutz, Jingle Bell Run event coordinator. “By honoring Joseph at this year’s Jingle Bell Run, we hope to raise awareness for the many faces of arthritis.”  

Joseph will be joined on Sunday, Dec. 11, by 2,000 walkers and runners who are expected to raise $280,000 for arthritis research and programs. The event will be held at General Wayne Elementary School (20 Devon Road, Malvern, PA) beginning at 10 a.m. Veteran journalist and eight-time Emmy award-winner Lu Ann Cahn will preside as Master of Ceremonies. Participants are encouraged to dress in holiday attire and all are given jingle bells to tie to their sneakers as they run or walk.       

For more information on the 2011 Malvern Jingle Bell Run/Walk, visit www.jbrphilly/kintera.org or call the chapter office at 215-574-3060 ext 116. 

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 50 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. 

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.