The local arthritis foundation hosts a fall fun day at a pumpkin patch/orchard each year. It is a great opportunity to network and meet other families in the area who have children with arthritis. This year 15 families attended despite the weather.
It rained all morning but we headed out anyway. There was a brief break...long enough for the girls to run around, see some animals and play in the corn pit. We then headed into a very well kept loft to meet the group. After a few activities and introductions each family carved a pumpkin. We quickly remembered why we paint pumpkins!
The kids ranged in age from about 3 to 15. Some had just learned they had arthritis and others had been battling it for years. We spoke with one family who had the same doctor as us. Another family was right here in Des Moines and actually worked with a friend of ours. One particular 13 year caught my attention. I soon found out she had both hips replaced in the last year, goes in for injections 2 times a month, takes a weekly shot and 25-30 pills a day. Yes, a day. It was very sobering for me and made me realize how very lucky we are to have a happy, fully mobile 3 year old who only needs one tiny poke a week.
It was a fun day. We met some new people, the girls made some new friends and we got to encourage others to do the Jingle Bell Run/Walk. I consider that a success!
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