Serious catching up to do

OK, before I get into my trip to GA last weekend and the birth of the newest MacAlpines, I have to talk about my Arthritis Walk next weekend.

I meant to do this at least a week ago, and just haven't had a chance. Now I have exactly 7 days to raise $135. I set my goal at $150 and have only raised $15 ... and it was my $15. I know ... sad, right?

The Arthritis Foundation does some pretty amazing things. They fund groundbreaking research projects to find better treatments and hopefully one day cure arthritis. Plus, they have a whole bunch of community programs and support groups that are all free. You can check out AF on their web site, but then you have to come back here to support me in the Arthritis Walk.

Seriously, before I started writing for the Arthritis Foundation, I had no idea how bad it really is. I got the opportunity to participate in a summit on Capitol Hill and visit with some of the kids with arthritis. It was heartbreaking. These kids know more about drugs than most people learn in their whole lives. They're rattling off medications and surgical procedures. One kid had been to the doctor more than 200 times ... in one year. Another kid talked about how kids at school made fun of him because he can't walk straight. Then there's little Sam.

Sam's 6 years old and has suffered every single day of his life. He was diagnosed with systemic arthritis as an infant. He's in crippling pain every day. He's had to learn how to walk 3 times in his short little life. He's even had heart surgery to relieve the inflammation the disease was causing (it would have made his heart stop). He's a cute kid and with a recent advance in treatment, he's actually doing a little better now. He still moves with a great deal of effort, but I actually saw him walking up some stairs with a little help from his dad. Just a year ago, that was unthinkable. So it goes to show that the research and progress AF is making does work -- there's just a long way to go still.

If you're still not convinced, here are the top 5 reasons why you should support me in the Arthritis Walk:

5) It's is the #1 cause of disability in the U.S.
4) There are 46 million people who suffer from doctor-diagnosed arthritis (and another 20 million or so who have chronic joint symptoms)
3) Most people don't realize that some of the worst and most devastating forms of arthritis affect children (about 500,000!)
2) It's more than just aches and pains -- it's a serious, chronic and often debilitating disease
1) I'm asking you to, and you love me

So, PLEASE support me. It doesn't have to be much -- every bit helps. I'll provide more updates as soon the donations start rolling in. That's right I'm withholding information for donations. And the babies ... they're twins. Don't you want to hear all about them? Give today! ;)