Mary Dable-Arab knows first-hand the importance of the work done by the Arthritis Society.
Her seven-year-old son, Oscar, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of two.
“We did not know about arthritis. My mom, who is 85, has arthritis. But what we learned is that when you’re a child and you’re growing it’s really important to keep those joints free of inflammation. That’s what our team at the IWK helps manage and keep under control,” said Dable-Arab.
Oscar was chosen as this year’s walk “Superhero” in Halifax, an honor bestowed on everyday heroes living with arthritis.
Over the last five weeks, Dable-Arab and her family stepped up their fundraising efforts, in a big way.
“We set a family goal to raise five thousand dollars and that’s a lot of $10 and $20 donations and we’re just over the moon that we’ve raised almost $28,000,” Dable-Arab told Global News.
Dable-Arab and her team raised nearly twice as much as any other Canadian.
“That’s a commitment from our family, our friends, my co-workers that have just stepped up and have come today to provide emotional support, and monetary support and all that helps too. Keep taking a step forward to get a cure,” said Dable-Arab.
The Halifax walk was one of 29 taking place across the country Sunday.
The annual walk is the Arthritis Society’s leading fundraising event, bringing in a total of $8 million over six years.
All money raised goes towards arthritis research and development.
Halifax set a couple of records at this year’s event.
Today’s walk raised $95,000, more than doubling last year’s total of $45,000.
In addition, an estimated 500 people took part, eclipsing the previous year’s high of 250 walkers.
For more info on the Walk to Fight Arthritis visit http://walktofightarthritis.ca/
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