By Emily Williams
The Arthritis Foundations of Alabama and Mississippi will host the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Dec. 12 at Railroad Park.
Mississippi’s Chloe Vizier will be the event honoree. After initial misdiagnosis, she traveled to Birmingham and was diagnosed with systemic juvenile arthritis in 2011. Chloe said she is excited to be named honoree for her third Jingle Bell run.
“My favorite part is crossing the finish line because I know I did it, even though it hurts my ankles and knees,” Chloe said. “It feels good to know I did it.” Her mother, Amanda, agreed that the finish line is the best part of the race.
“The JBR is a fun/festive event that, while it may be freezing cold, will warm your heart,” Amanda said. “Seeing kids with arthritis run in pain and cross the finish line is a true inspiration.”
The annual run will be chaired by Helen Swanson, general manager of WIAT 42. This year’s medical honoree will be Dr. Darin Tessier of the Brookwood Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute at Brookwood Medical Center. He specializes in treatments for shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle disorders.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Arthritis Foundation programs and research to find a cure for arthritis.
“The foundation served as my lifeline during the early years of Chloe’s diagnosis,” Amanda said. “They were a shoulder to cry on, a place to get information and a light at the end of the tunnel. Today they provide me with the knowledge and confidence to advocate at a national level for Chloe and all of those suffering with arthritis.”
Chloe regularly attends the foundation’s summer camp, Camp MASH, for free and connects with other kids her age who suffer from JA.
“Arthritis hurts, but the many new friends I’ve made and things I’ve gotten to do because I have arthritis has been the highlight,” Chloe said.
Activities will begin at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m. Runners are invited to wear a holiday-themed costume and tie jingle bells to their shoelaces as they race and raise funds to find a cure for arthritis.
Registration for the 5K begins at $35. Other options include a 1-mile fun run for $35, a $30 fundraising option for guests who cannot attend and a $25 fee for a Santa Chase for children ages 8 and under.
For more information, visit www.jbr.org.
