My journey with the Arthritis Foundation and how my love of art has inspired me to help others

I was raised by my grandparents and I was very fortunate. My grandpa, being a deacon in our church, took me everywhere with him. I was his constant "tag-along" and I didn't mind one bit. He was always my hero. I remember how every sunday afternoon my grandpa would take me on a grocery shopping trip. This, however, was not the normal grocery shopping trip you might expect. After we would get the groceries packed in his old chevy S-10 we were on our way to a different house each week. My grandpa would bring groceries to those households that just couldn't quite afford the groceries they needed. Growing up my grandpa taught me that if God has blessed us, then it is our job to help bless others. I still find that so true today.

It hasn't been much over a year ago now when my pain and depression almost haulted my life. I truthfully don't know which one was worse the pain, or the depression. I can honestly say that if there were a day where my pain wasn't overwhelming, my depression was severe enough to make up for that. I find myself thinking often about those times and the time wasted that I can never get back. I feel blessed to be able to feed myself, dress myself, and walk myself to the bathroom. And though those aren't always easy, I am determined to do them for myself, only asking for help when I know I may overdo it. I feel so blessed and I am reminded of my duty and my want to help others who need it.

It has been almost a year ago now when my mother and I had a brilliant idea to start selling jewely. Making jewelry had always been a passion of mine, but I was fearful that my dream would never come true with the constant turning and crippling of my fingers and the severe pain in my hands. But I pursued my dream, working when I was able. And truth be told I threw many pity parties for myself on the days, weeks, and months that the pain was too unbearable for me to create. But somehow, like it always does, the light at the end of the tunnel became so clear that even my stubborn self couldn't ignore it. We started selling on ebay. My nine-year-old who was eight at the time made a couple mens necklaces and decided he wanted to donate a portion of it to the Arthritis Foundation in honor of me. He too was raised with my grandpa's same philosophy.

This year my mother and I decided to open up our own online boutique where we make and sell everything from jewelry to hand painted canes. My dream was coming true and there was no way I was going to let rheumatoid arthritis hold me back. In our many talks about the boutique we decided we wanted to donate a portion of every sale to the arthritis foundation who is always helping others. So before I knew it I was emailing back and forth with the Tulsa chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. As if that weren't exciting enough for us, this year the Arthritis Foundation has asked us to help raise money and sponsor their Jingle Bell Run in December. The amazing news didn't just end there. I was asked if I would like to present on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation at local health fairs and other gatherings. I will be meeting with my contact at the Arthritis Foundation soon to go over the details and to start my training. I have been so blessed with this oppertunity to help others who may feel that there is no help for them.