Sydney Adams, a junior at T.R. Miller High School was notified last week that she has been chosen as the Youth Honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s 2019 Jingle Bell Run in Montgomery.
The annual holiday-themed run, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, aids in funding cutting-edge research for new treatments and ultimately a cure to advocating for health care access, the Arthritis Foundation helps those living with arthritis score everyday victories, one step at a time.
Sydney was diagnosed with spondyloarthritis in the fall of 2017. She has since joined efforts by the Arthritis Foundation to spread the word about the disease including heading up a team in May’s Walk to Cure Arthritis and being chosen as a juvenile advocate for the Arthritis Foundation.
“Arthritis is a painful disease that affects so many of us from infants to adults,” Sydney said recently. “more than 54 million Americans live with arthritis including 1.4 million adults and 5,000 children here in Alabama.”
“I’m pleased to join the Arthritis Foundation’s efforts and bring awareness to the work they are sponsoring to find a cure as well as educate individuals about the disease and ways to cope,” she added.
Sydney’s team, known as Sydney’s Joint Effort, is asking for runners and walkers who are interested in joining to visit the team’s Facebook page “Team Sydney’s Joint Effort.” The event features a 5K (with chip), classic 5K, and a Fun Run. There’s even an option to participate in the run in your pajamas. Those who would like to support Sydney financially may also visit the page above to donate. She has a goal of $5,000.
Brittany Joffrion, development director with the Alabama Arthritis Foundation, joins Sydney in urging local residents to participate.
“Our honorees and volunteers are what make this event successful and memorable every year, and this year we’re humbled to honor Sydney Adams who is a true Arthritis Warrior and whose family continually commits time to raising awareness and funds for arthritis,” she said.
Sydney is the daughter of Craig and Juliette Adams and the granddaughter of Larry and Rebecca Lee.
