tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53208978708979897212024-03-13T02:02:33.839-07:00Kelly Rouba: Author and Arthritis spokespersonMrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-38301620306614776022010-07-15T12:54:00.000-07:002010-07-15T12:54:09.756-07:00ANRF rings the NASDAQ opening bell!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOL6gssEAIT1Pmpa_cgegaWi2bJ5vnMm41IaAScNefaff-M-Jxl-MhdNZrmhJ90U1K86nFKWPReORL54nrheJeur4h7OI4GOvCqBenC3iGLhxfvwfyJLTGs6qYpauAkIqPJtuHnbwA70/s1600/NASDAQ3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOL6gssEAIT1Pmpa_cgegaWi2bJ5vnMm41IaAScNefaff-M-Jxl-MhdNZrmhJ90U1K86nFKWPReORL54nrheJeur4h7OI4GOvCqBenC3iGLhxfvwfyJLTGs6qYpauAkIqPJtuHnbwA70/s320/NASDAQ3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On Thursday July 8th, I participated in the NASDAQ’s opening bell ceremony in Times Square in honor of Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. It was an honor for me, as a national spokesperson and Board member for the Arthritis National Research Foundation (ANRF), to join Executive Director Helene Belisle and other youth with juvenile arthritis as well as medical professionals. Among them were Shaun-Marie Robbins (age 30), who lives in Hamilton and was diagnosed at 1 ½ years old, and Carrick Porter, a teenager who has juvenile arthritis and lives in Hopewell. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1XnAD8Ywzt300agqWvJVNoopTQDD2Ej9eSQFzvTXlORt5ok3alFyGL2Crb4OyW-FhPH_433-MrgBeNtzT3W24rMSPBsaP7XPqr__aAUGJNSQ8oMSokFkIe6kTRh7BUHDaDNIU7_uKRI/s1600/NASDAQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1XnAD8Ywzt300agqWvJVNoopTQDD2Ej9eSQFzvTXlORt5ok3alFyGL2Crb4OyW-FhPH_433-MrgBeNtzT3W24rMSPBsaP7XPqr__aAUGJNSQ8oMSokFkIe6kTRh7BUHDaDNIU7_uKRI/s320/NASDAQ.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">Photo of Kelly Rouba with Shaun-Marie Robbins (on right) and William Scannon, Rouba’s neighbor and the inspiration behind ANRF’s Marathon for a Cure program.</span></div></blockquote><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">At the ceremony, NASDAQ officials and Belisle spoke about The Kelly Award for Juvenile Arthritis Research. Each year, ANRF awards this $75,000 grant to a scientist studying a cure for juvenile arthritis. Interestingly, the researcher who received the grant this year would not have been able to continue her work without the funding.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The general public is still largely unaware that children and even infants can get arthritis, not to mention how damaging it can be. I am very grateful that NASDAQ chose to highlight the Arthritis National Research Foundation’s efforts to find a cure and further awareness by inviting us to participate in their opening bell ceremony during Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. It was an amazing experience. </span></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For more information, visit </span><a href="http://www.curearthritis.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="font-size: small;">www.curearthritis.org</span></span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> or call Derek Belisle, marketing assistant for ANRF, at 800-588-2873. </span></div>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-31178202481586262492010-07-12T13:08:00.000-07:002010-07-12T13:10:33.344-07:00Iron Cupcake Challenge supports The Kelly Award<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On July 7th, 2010, I had the honor to be a judge at the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Iron-Cupcake-Challenge-Moorestown"><b>Kati's Kupcakes Iron Cupcake Challenge</b></a> at <a href="http://www.thepopshopusa.com/"><b>The Pop Shop in Collingswood</b></a>. The monthly event started by Kati Angelini, talented cupcake designer and founder of Kati's Kupcakes in Moorestown, benefits a different charity each month. This month, The Kelly Award and ANRF were the fortunate recipients in honor of July as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. I want to give an extra special thank you to challenge winner Deanna Gordon who donated her prize money to The Kelly Award as well. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check out some of highlights from the event below. For more info about the Iron Cupcake Challenge, visit the event group site: <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Iron-Cupcake-Challenge-Moorestown"><b>http://www.meetup.com/Iron-Cupcake-Challenge-Moorestown</b></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Visit Kati's business site, <a href="http://www.katiskupcakes.com/"><b>http://www.katiskupcakes.com/</b></a>, and prepare to be in awe of her talent when you view her cupcake gallery at her <b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katiskupcakes/sets/72157623465691332/">Flickr page</a></b>. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more information about ANRF and how you can support The Kelly Award, visit <a href="http://www.curearthritis.org/"><b>www.CureArthritis.org</b></a>. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2F42836895%40N02%2Fsets%2F72157624479817856%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2F42836895%40N02%2Fsets%2F72157624479817856%2F&set_id=72157624479817856&jump_to="></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2F42836895%40N02%2Fsets%2F72157624479817856%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2F42836895%40N02%2Fsets%2F72157624479817856%2F&set_id=72157624479817856&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-84491615793629470932010-04-27T08:02:00.000-07:002010-04-27T08:03:06.378-07:00My 30th Birthday Bash & Benefit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcVIvKRe35bKxXsPDaf2xMzKoiuLGvNfu1c6ewjuB5cHwpmLpuOV8owuyn8u0KPzLPM6WMDFY0TxB7Sd5YpM9SrfsTgkiaKYFdgIUbYQ_5lzixXYQ9NUjnlXNefM8qnHPbB20se0N5Ww/s1600/26768_385016227012_517207012_3971107_1410441_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcVIvKRe35bKxXsPDaf2xMzKoiuLGvNfu1c6ewjuB5cHwpmLpuOV8owuyn8u0KPzLPM6WMDFY0TxB7Sd5YpM9SrfsTgkiaKYFdgIUbYQ_5lzixXYQ9NUjnlXNefM8qnHPbB20se0N5Ww/s320/26768_385016227012_517207012_3971107_1410441_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please allow me to express a very heartfelt thank you to all who made my 30<sup>th</sup> birthday benefit so special on Friday evening. It was a night I will never forget (wink!), and I was so honored that <b>Helene Belisle, executive director of the Arthritis National Research Foundation</b>, flew out from California to take part in the event. Helene is one of the most compassionate people I know and has truly welcomed me into the ANRF family. I always know I can turn to my “West Coast Mom” for advice and support—and for that, I am grateful.</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8h9fIHTAThmWW3gaLNFA0AGd60auaubVGZfr80CslV3fvp5aZGGTpqeAganKLYuyygUiYre3Bfgbl94yYGJ7Pl2kcNZMXPWXBgrEC11W3UyYCrC7mGutBORIgp2MhFlXzbtaL9pPyTU/s1600/26298_385460357012_517207012_3983343_633062_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8h9fIHTAThmWW3gaLNFA0AGd60auaubVGZfr80CslV3fvp5aZGGTpqeAganKLYuyygUiYre3Bfgbl94yYGJ7Pl2kcNZMXPWXBgrEC11W3UyYCrC7mGutBORIgp2MhFlXzbtaL9pPyTU/s320/26298_385460357012_517207012_3983343_633062_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Helene’s son <b>Derek Belisle</b>, who handles marketing for the foundation, also surprised me by flying out for the benefit. In spite of the many miles between us, Derek has become one of my best friends. After months of teasing me that he wouldn’t be able to make it out to Atlantic City for my party, it made for perhaps the best surprise ever when he actually showed up and played a very touching video on The Kelly Award for Juvenile Arthritis Research on top of it. My favorite part of the video was the message from <b>Dr. Susannah D. Brydges, who received this year’s grant of $75,000</b>. The project she is working on is amazing and she wouldn’t have been able to continue her work without this grant, which gave me chills when I found out. </span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am also very grateful to all who donated services and/or goods to help make the benefit such a success. (See list below.) A big thank you goes to <b>Donna McCarthy, general manager of <a href="http://www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com/atlanticcity.asp">Gallagher’s Steakhouse and Burger Bar</a> at Resorts Casino</b>, for donating the space and food. Also, thank you to <b>Dan Baker and The Raven Rock Rounders</b> for providing the terrific bluegrass music and to <b>Phil Cardon from <a href="http://www.everydaygourmetandcakes.com/">Everyday Gourmet & Cakes </a></b> for the fabulous birthday cake!!! I have never seen such a beautiful—yet delicious—work of art! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianD0XaxbqL4rmuVtX4zLDsHk6c9GX_ifVwFaCpTHxO3exaYrf460LWlL98_LoUeqAmeD4Oo3Q5MvWyC9VRLZiqZ6y-sSQX2UTiuTtWa8fgX3relru3SKyTXoaq_HuWtTbQ9lph9HvLRc/s1600/Untitled1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianD0XaxbqL4rmuVtX4zLDsHk6c9GX_ifVwFaCpTHxO3exaYrf460LWlL98_LoUeqAmeD4Oo3Q5MvWyC9VRLZiqZ6y-sSQX2UTiuTtWa8fgX3relru3SKyTXoaq_HuWtTbQ9lph9HvLRc/s400/Untitled1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThhfTR7lT1UR7q8Yl5vnhCb_lYghyphenhyphenNYNahRKk-2KVQpbh4CAILKPcw_qhj5cbvI66QWj-Ljn1Rxo8MB8g2D55xONWloNRoZOZqFaVjXhAMndQ_Yqb_CJor0VGbKCeyptmpid6qjm1-Ng/s1600/Untitled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThhfTR7lT1UR7q8Yl5vnhCb_lYghyphenhyphenNYNahRKk-2KVQpbh4CAILKPcw_qhj5cbvI66QWj-Ljn1Rxo8MB8g2D55xONWloNRoZOZqFaVjXhAMndQ_Yqb_CJor0VGbKCeyptmpid6qjm1-Ng/s400/Untitled2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And I truly appreciate the generosity of those who donated to The Kelly Award for Juvenile Arthritis Research as well. The award (named after me) offers a rare opportunity to fund juvenile arthritis research. Sadly, most drug companies and other entities only want to spend research dollars on drugs for adults since the numbers are greater. However, having lived with JA since I was two, I will do everything in my power to see that no other child or teen has to suffer as I did. And while treatments have come a long way, they still have a long way to go. Please consider supporting The Kelly Award and helping the Arthritis National Research Foundation in its mission to find better treatments and hopefully even a cure. Thank you!</span> </div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>A special thanks to the sponsors:</b></i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Venue & Food:</b> <a href="http://www.gallaghersnysteakhouse.com/atlanticcity.asp">Gallagher's Steakhouse </a>at Resorts Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Cake</b>: <a href="http://www.everydaygourmetandcakes.com/">Everyday Gourmet & Cakes</a>, Ogden, UT</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Balloons</b>: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=chester%27s+plants+and+flowers+atlantic+city&fb=1&gl=us&hq=chester%27s+plants+and+flowers&hnear=atlantic+city&cid=626854769211400914">Chester's Plants & Flowers</a>, Atlantic City</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Corsages</b>: <a href="http://www.sendingsmiles.com/">Monday Morning Flower & Balloon Co</a>., Princeton</div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Entertainment</b>: Raven Rock Rounders</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" />Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-31186499949027890112010-03-04T11:18:00.000-08:002010-03-04T11:18:09.178-08:00New ANRF Video: "Save me a dream"<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>A Message from Derek Belisle from the Arthritis National Research Foundation: </i></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Over 46 million Americans suffer from arthritis, 300,000 of them are children. Most people think that arthritis only affects older people, but that just is not the case. Please help make everyone aware of Juvenile Arthritis and forward this to your friends and family. <br />
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For more information visit <a href="http://www.curearthritis.org/" target="_blank">www.CureArthritis.org</a> <br />
To see more videos visit <a href="http://www.youtube.com/CureArthritis" target="_blank">www.youtube.com/CureArthritis</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="315" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/og9ytNlg2WU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/og9ytNlg2WU&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="315"></embed></object></div>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-70048446172491193752010-02-05T11:16:00.000-08:002010-02-05T11:16:09.253-08:00My tribute at Hamilton Physical Thearpy<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In January, <a href="http://www.hamiltonphysicaltherapy.org/"><b>Hamilton Physical Therapy</b></a> honored me for my accomplishment in disability and arthritis awareness, by hanging my photo in their lobby. Here I am with my physical therapist <b>Allison Davis-Papi </b>who is also in my book. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtudKFdkJWI7SJEL3L0Vqkk6ytlcBZ-i7BzwLNYwYQSg_RKLN0SRti_fapTuPb-VCyKMbcf4Vpc0EyLWH2amApGDj-OSbzsAxSnyRpm4277-9YsqO70Om1dh5NmxEWIkwkJ2qoLFJFNhY/s1600-h/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtudKFdkJWI7SJEL3L0Vqkk6ytlcBZ-i7BzwLNYwYQSg_RKLN0SRti_fapTuPb-VCyKMbcf4Vpc0EyLWH2amApGDj-OSbzsAxSnyRpm4277-9YsqO70Om1dh5NmxEWIkwkJ2qoLFJFNhY/s320/IMG_0890.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdI2lpgAvXbTE4jRDuUQoexdjiyy_-NyOG0648We6dY6q3w0axImdCYdYovWRa8z7MLRO34sLiSjNO36QaK9xgog6mlVAlVFHfYhGPvzOJ12EDRXLNeHbGXlmqfISRdTNJI_H-P3Cj9g/s1600-h/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhdI2lpgAvXbTE4jRDuUQoexdjiyy_-NyOG0648We6dY6q3w0axImdCYdYovWRa8z7MLRO34sLiSjNO36QaK9xgog6mlVAlVFHfYhGPvzOJ12EDRXLNeHbGXlmqfISRdTNJI_H-P3Cj9g/s320/IMG_0892.JPG" /></a></div>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-21936762455912304192009-09-29T10:39:00.000-07:002009-09-29T10:48:23.090-07:00Meet Bailey-a brave little girl with JRAPlease take a few minutes and watch this touching video about Bailey, a <span style="font-weight: bold;">brave 5-year old girl who has JRA.</span> You can learn more about Bailey, her parents and their journey treating JRA at their family blog, <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://thewarrens-baileysmama.blogspot.com/">Warren Family-Bailey's Blog</a>. Here's a message from her mom that she sent to me through CreakyJoints.com:<br /><blockquote><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Hi. Thank You so much for all you do for kids like you & my daughter Bailey! We are so frustrated that no matter how many walks, talks, interviews, etc....the World doesn't know about this disease & the way kids suffer from it - Bailey also Has Uveitis - Its tried to steal her sight 3 times now!</span></blockquote><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V-x9VUgHj-Q&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V-x9VUgHj-Q&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-38157459517333234072009-09-08T05:17:00.000-07:002009-09-08T05:22:12.144-07:00For kids with arthritis: Looks Can Be Deceiving<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://invisibleillnessblog.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvTBvY8ziQ1VVbq0piOIbmFN7AggdmZ4WtyMEb_LnICwb7L4uXAq8LbPEmBqwQKhay4zeR4JTP-ey3QzSQaW4Os3KVeIleBuu6I3OAWPJNQydu0R7sPLbs5qFMN_Xipn0SqxlWUTcnlk/s400/09_blogging-badge2.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379070385478665570" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#000000;">September 14-20 marks <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/invisibleillnesshome.htm">National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week</a> and Lisa Copen, director of Rest Ministries, has invited me to be a guest on her Internet radio show to discuss the fact that symptoms of arthritis aren’t always “visible.”<br /><br />If you have not yet read my book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Juvenile-Arthritis-Ultimate-Guide-Happened/dp/0810860554"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Juvenile Arthritis:</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Ultimate Teen Guide</span></a>, I encourage you to pick up a copy so you can read Amanda White’s story, which begins in Chapter One. Amanda was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 14; she is now a college sophomore. To look at her, you would never know that she lives in almost constant pain. It is because she looks like other girls her age that people are unaware of her limitations or choose to brush off the severity of her condition and push her to do things she is physically incapable of doing.<br /><br />In her case and for many others with arthritis, the old saying holds true: <span> </span>“Looks can be deceiving.” For this reason, I continue to work to educate others of the fact that arthritis affects everyone differently and some days it may be worse than others. In my case, it has clearly taken a toll on my body and left me with many visible contractures or deformities. But for many others, while the disease is “invisible,” the pain it causes is just as real.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >To get your "I'm Blogging for..." badge, visit the <a href="http://invisibleillness.wordpress.com/2008/08/04/are-you-blogging-for-invisible-illness-week-awareness/">Invisible Illness Week Blog</a>.</span><br /></span>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-77657043657211078322009-09-08T04:58:00.001-07:002009-09-08T05:10:41.867-07:00Congrats to Kayla and her Mom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1suf0hMS-nd1if3QwftJzHRaKbXpxMd_m5NJ4eXVmRMPFEL54JVisfuMMkLi47mJPrAmzFeRks1ZqXqkCNSwbMPvknLphD0CH8mnoQVkdkBkMhMEde-w3Vj10l-tRGFWeFUzGgTEq-A/s1600-h/832328.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1suf0hMS-nd1if3QwftJzHRaKbXpxMd_m5NJ4eXVmRMPFEL54JVisfuMMkLi47mJPrAmzFeRks1ZqXqkCNSwbMPvknLphD0CH8mnoQVkdkBkMhMEde-w3Vj10l-tRGFWeFUzGgTEq-A/s400/832328.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379067865774689522" border="0" /></a><br />Last month I held a contest to <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://kellyrouba.blogspot.com/2006/07/win-ea-sports-active-and-nintendo-wii.html">win a Nintendo Wii (donated by Ag Apparel) and the EA Sports Active game (donated by EA Sports Active)</a>. We received numerous inspirational stories of people who would use the prize package to help them on their journey or to help someone else. One entry really resonated with me and I'm happy to say that Kayla was the lucky winner. Here is what Kayla wrote:<br /><blockquote>I would love to win this contest for the most amazing woman I have ever met...My mother.<br /><br />My mother is simply amazing. I have never met a woman who is more generous with her love and time. Her whole life, she has put the needs of others before her own. She went without many things while raising me on her own because she never wanted me to go without. She never wanted me to be affected because there wasn't a father figure in my life. This incredible woman gave so much of herself for me, and for that I am forever grateful.<br /><br />Now is the time for my mother to focus on herself and her health. Her joint pain has prevented her from walking outside for exercise because it hits her so suddenly. Every time she comes down for a visit, she talks about buying a Wii and exercising in the comfort of her own home...But atlas, money doesn't grow on trees. The economy hit my mother hard, and she has been without a job for many months now. Day in and day out, she searches for a job, but like the millions of other Americans, she continues to be unemployed.<br /><br />I would love for my mother to win this contest for her health and for her happiness. Getting in shape would not only boost her confidence and help her realize how beautiful she is, but it would greatly improve her health. And maybe, just maybe it would help me get that mother/daughter picture I have been asking for, but always get "I'm too fat" back as a response.<br /><br />Thank you for taking the time to read this. :)</blockquote><br />Now Kayla (aka <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://twitter.com/Chubby_Stubby_K">@Chubby_Stubby_K</a>):<br /><p></p><blockquote><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://chubbystubbykay.blogspot.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 110px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPl7v1b-ej5cn7VPuiQFRkwXdnuu6Ek4T_4K3Okobjejge-tJYRsIJO6dGJIVqMOw7reNdPq_PaNJvxyA8owC8ZMaiLCWQzNDgZypz9TwcfbHr-Y3MB-9Aa7olbcPGETDrS7C-Y_tDC8/s400/springflowers2+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379066858573913090" border="0" /></a>My name is <span class="il">Kayla</span> and I am twenty four years old, currently on a mission to lose 125 pounds. With the love and support from my amazing mother and my wonderful Twitter/Blog Friends, I have managed to lose forty pounds and have adapted living a healthy lifestyle.<span> </span>I decided to blog my journey as I found that by reading blogs from other people and their weight loss journeys, it helped to not only inspire me, but keep me focused on my own journey.</p> <p>The link to my blog is: <a href="http://chubbystubbykay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://chubbystubbykay.<wbr>blogspot.com/</a></p></blockquote><p><a href="http://chubbystubbykay.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"></a></p><p>Kayla will keep us posted on how her mother is doing with the Wii and the game. Congratulations and we look forward to sharing her progress!<br /></p>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-91088059154369661682009-07-15T12:06:00.001-07:002009-07-15T12:42:47.699-07:00Scenes from News 12 NJ<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkJwt4Ugy0-KnNMZKRJOdUg25azUQ2mUFl-q8t7NmmFALtZ1V_4OdpS9wCbVKvXFAn_RyGSSYD_2UY8S8Rn9PB-tAZSk5MPmMtkx0GpnPB9Vh0rZ9nbYkgsCz_E5SU_j1MtTEvTnMR9E/s1600-h/6291_1191739392006_1184019480_569658_520126_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkJwt4Ugy0-KnNMZKRJOdUg25azUQ2mUFl-q8t7NmmFALtZ1V_4OdpS9wCbVKvXFAn_RyGSSYD_2UY8S8Rn9PB-tAZSk5MPmMtkx0GpnPB9Vh0rZ9nbYkgsCz_E5SU_j1MtTEvTnMR9E/s400/6291_1191739392006_1184019480_569658_520126_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358773138969846914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >My TV News debut!</span><br /><br />This past weekend <a href="http://www.news12.com/">News 12 NJ</a> aired an episode of <span style="font-weight: bold;">12 To Your Health</span> where I spoke to host Janine Stafaci to spread awareness about Juvenile Arthritis and educate families and children about the disease. Joining me was <a href="http://www2.umdnj.edu/pedspweb/faculty/L.NandiniMoorthy2.htm">Dr. Nandini Moorthy, a Pediatric Rheumatologist at UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson</a>, Here are some of the photo highlights.<br /><br />Stay tuned for the video!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1DTmt9m_rRxNUwn3yZ6o_og_kuvn8eN00wOYdFrefITT4h4VT7q2NOYN1sxeQdKLiN1qnzOXSq2B90FCzcIb4YDx2nWPFab0c2xVR0JwFs0x_Af9g1d5akJpUr-TIK7r7Ld_-HxrZco/s1600-h/6291_1191739352005_1184019480_569657_1699407_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1DTmt9m_rRxNUwn3yZ6o_og_kuvn8eN00wOYdFrefITT4h4VT7q2NOYN1sxeQdKLiN1qnzOXSq2B90FCzcIb4YDx2nWPFab0c2xVR0JwFs0x_Af9g1d5akJpUr-TIK7r7Ld_-HxrZco/s400/6291_1191739352005_1184019480_569657_1699407_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358773132624447058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXokPwrKjMV3aSOT6NvLZVPpzPlCTjWtRau3g3ccMzjhktifVVYhujPzRIdCO-XVo0wWdGNCtC6Y1UelYiwUHdAqNI4TM2VppAGJRr0Vl6uSDeCqwsso4jCKdFxzt4KynscJL-acppKQ/s1600-h/6291_1191739071998_1184019480_569650_272861_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXokPwrKjMV3aSOT6NvLZVPpzPlCTjWtRau3g3ccMzjhktifVVYhujPzRIdCO-XVo0wWdGNCtC6Y1UelYiwUHdAqNI4TM2VppAGJRr0Vl6uSDeCqwsso4jCKdFxzt4KynscJL-acppKQ/s400/6291_1191739071998_1184019480_569650_272861_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358773128322747458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31zZTpoEjWmBaip-PsRaWgD8Zi9APR34owSH9p1PUqYGRBFzk9WBjPdWwIjdQ88V3odG5gegtWG0iWAeV-weAa3hyjlnXbkN4TOKtKA5Ds6pAfv32_9QE_oFQlXt8EbM9yIvTM3VniC4/s1600-h/6291_1191739031997_1184019480_569649_1114558_n.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 222px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31zZTpoEjWmBaip-PsRaWgD8Zi9APR34owSH9p1PUqYGRBFzk9WBjPdWwIjdQ88V3odG5gegtWG0iWAeV-weAa3hyjlnXbkN4TOKtKA5Ds6pAfv32_9QE_oFQlXt8EbM9yIvTM3VniC4/s400/6291_1191739031997_1184019480_569649_1114558_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358773118915646994" border="0" /></a>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-7776421427584216182009-07-10T13:27:00.000-07:002009-07-10T13:47:12.186-07:00Such an honor...Recently I was honored for my work and advocacy by the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Catastrophic</span> Illness in Children Relief Fund at their annual awards dinner. And I got to meet Gov. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Corzine</span> too!<br /><br />To learn more about the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">CICRF</span>, visit their <a href="http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/cicrf/home/index.html">site</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xv0vdEqH-bfe6fiXKp_-bzd5eO2_XxgH-9D4KArQOlZbtAe9mRDkmOpgdg3MKOK4sx3oY0B2QBU5bIYGYi1Smz1-pcYx5YPxL0XfA-yj7COPpnUewKDx6dawAYcYPEtZ3bYR0KYCmaI/s1600-h/CICRF137.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Xv0vdEqH-bfe6fiXKp_-bzd5eO2_XxgH-9D4KArQOlZbtAe9mRDkmOpgdg3MKOK4sx3oY0B2QBU5bIYGYi1Smz1-pcYx5YPxL0XfA-yj7COPpnUewKDx6dawAYcYPEtZ3bYR0KYCmaI/s400/CICRF137.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356931434188913554" border="0" /></a>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-12091308425289280122009-06-23T18:15:00.000-07:002009-06-24T18:19:50.708-07:00My hair grew back so I could donate it...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKgMYK9KG3so-e5ivqOW7_qTmCQKb70zh6YFxS7yCvQloPq0MCVStfgrBLODzbWgLdrh4no9XklOoZHjO6YJTQlNsv8Gr6jt8HIRdzyir0ATyPCpu0Rc4_sDEudy-CKzz9EuGM5O9D_4/s1600-h/IMG_0562.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKgMYK9KG3so-e5ivqOW7_qTmCQKb70zh6YFxS7yCvQloPq0MCVStfgrBLODzbWgLdrh4no9XklOoZHjO6YJTQlNsv8Gr6jt8HIRdzyir0ATyPCpu0Rc4_sDEudy-CKzz9EuGM5O9D_4/s320/IMG_0562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351065433320634482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEXMzEKm_fv-n8sx6SupdFHCOh1F9gw5Rd1070vVKQX-MWMfBTNx_IXLOMh5aD52cqvbZI0mweQwjj13YdnoGRlLQNZ0NDhzNF_aVphfbIr6kfydIY11w7FVrquAzbQ82lJ9dmsOhST4/s1600-h/IMG_0613.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEXMzEKm_fv-n8sx6SupdFHCOh1F9gw5Rd1070vVKQX-MWMfBTNx_IXLOMh5aD52cqvbZI0mweQwjj13YdnoGRlLQNZ0NDhzNF_aVphfbIr6kfydIY11w7FVrquAzbQ82lJ9dmsOhST4/s320/IMG_0613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351068545209809378" border="0" /></a>Last week, I visited Create Yourself Salon so I could <span style="font-weight: bold;">donate 10 inches of my hair to <a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love</a></span>. Having lost nearly every strand of hair on my head in 2003, this was something I really wanted to do from the bottom of my heart.<br /><br />I will never forget having to wear hats to cover my bald head and having to go wig shopping with my mom (although I ended up just wearing hats and scarves until the hair grew back). I still wonder how I got through that time in my life, especially since my hair is one of the few physical attributes people compliment me on considering much of my body is damaged by arthritis. I think half of me zoned out at the time and half of me kept persevering as I'm not one to be kept down for long.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJpO68iMtR6hSp4l_jWYFOgI_bd3r5Q6HPR46DtnQ9iI18DLW6BZikvK2E3JvKxU9k6XRGV5vLGk2cC7zyNS2dgJvYzCRYzrz5WzeCP9QcjNrlngXNcUHtK7uM5LswuY1Tld9PDnq6dk/s1600-h/IMG_0565.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJpO68iMtR6hSp4l_jWYFOgI_bd3r5Q6HPR46DtnQ9iI18DLW6BZikvK2E3JvKxU9k6XRGV5vLGk2cC7zyNS2dgJvYzCRYzrz5WzeCP9QcjNrlngXNcUHtK7uM5LswuY1Tld9PDnq6dk/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351065435742490834" border="0" /></a>Since then, there have been times due to iron deficiency or thyroid issues that I lost clumps of hair and it's frightened me. Once everything was under control, I grew my hair long and enjoyed every minute of it!<br /><br />Finally, I decided it was time to share it with someone who needs it, and I encourage you to do the same. According to the salon's owner, <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love</a> is in great need of donations of hair. Visit <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.locksoflove.org/" target="_blank">www.locksoflove.org </a>for more details. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.locksoflove.org/" target="_blank"><br /></a>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-61330716501028859512009-06-15T17:24:00.000-07:002009-06-15T17:45:39.636-07:00No more "sitting on the sidelines" with EA Sports Active for Nintendo Wii<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2UfAATDwvQD8av9BUKzwusX9IUc9Bkc4wbJThe05I3AH_mXgHpcXyN0-hd0ucM6wVtoUnFF04YniHzTyNsBnyr3AuY7tAFcxU-7IT4T_PW1JaVUNgqdHatzn5LH3xbGiBnxPrjxGHBc/s1600-h/ea_sports_active_wii.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2UfAATDwvQD8av9BUKzwusX9IUc9Bkc4wbJThe05I3AH_mXgHpcXyN0-hd0ucM6wVtoUnFF04YniHzTyNsBnyr3AuY7tAFcxU-7IT4T_PW1JaVUNgqdHatzn5LH3xbGiBnxPrjxGHBc/s320/ea_sports_active_wii.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347716892468649538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:110%;">On a recent night after work, I met up with my friends Jerry, Krystal, and Scott in the recreation center of Scott’s building to test out <a href="http://www.easportsactive.com/home.action"><span style="font-weight: bold;">EA SPORTS Active</span></a>. With the exception of Krystal, the rest of us have varying disabilities (arthritis, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy—we all use wheelchairs) and wanted to see how well we faired with this new fitness video game package, which allows users to create their own customized workout from more than 25 exercises or follow the recommendations of a virtual trainer. We chose to try both.</span> <p style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:110%;">Although Scott bailed before we could get the Wii to work on the big screen TV, Jerry finally got it up and running and the three of us began taking turns replicating the exercises as demonstrated by our virtual fitness trainer. Some exercises, like inline skating or squats, definitely proved difficult or impossible when you’re sitting in a wheelchair. But, we had a good laugh over trying to figure out a way to do the exercises and eventually passed along the controls to Krystal once we gave up. Other exercises, like tennis or hitting the punch bag, proved to be something we all could do—<i style="font-weight: bold;">and we even broke quite a sweat</i><span style="font-weight: bold;">!!</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:110%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGVCqfcTJM7YB-i-OO63a5YZvM_c1RY9C1OFDpA7HuIVbGW-dQjEh6n5TjqyHSaiBtbDIoorNs4wDyehuwQLoH1e18L7LWUBl9uGuHsOJdUjMB0xyubJrwtRYHMcYadtPwz71zZEstrE/s1600-h/Untitled1.png"><img style="border: medium none ; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGVCqfcTJM7YB-i-OO63a5YZvM_c1RY9C1OFDpA7HuIVbGW-dQjEh6n5TjqyHSaiBtbDIoorNs4wDyehuwQLoH1e18L7LWUBl9uGuHsOJdUjMB0xyubJrwtRYHMcYadtPwz71zZEstrE/s320/Untitled1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347717059519563826" none="" /></a></span><span style="font-size:110%;">After following the recommended routine for a while, we decided it might be better for Jerry and I to create our own workout made up of exercises we knew we could do based on our own abilities. This turned out to be even more fun, so much so that I had trouble tearing the couple away for dinner. As the minutes (and calories) flew by, we continued to laugh and sweat over games of baseball, volleyball, and even dancing. While this fitness game system certainly can be played alone, I think we all agree that exercising with friends makes it much more enjoyable!</span></p> <span style=";font-family:Calibri;font-size:110%;" >Having the option to customize your own workout also makes EA SPORTS Active a worthwhile investment for those with physical limitations. Instead of sitting on the sidelines, it allows you to “get in the game,” literally. <span style="font-weight: bold;">In “virtual life,” Jerry and I can engage in activities, like baseball or tennis, whereas in “real life,” we could not.</span> Furthermore, the customized workout allows us to skip those activities that we still can’t do virtually, like squats.<br /><br />I recommend trying EA SPORTS Active as a fun way for those with disabilities to stay in shape, especially if you are one who doesn’t venture out much. The game package allows you to select exercises that are right for you—and any exercise is better than no exercise.</span>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-79925365163073626082009-05-18T04:29:00.000-07:002009-05-18T04:35:28.982-07:00Personal Reflections: Farrah's Story Hits Home<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">My mom and I watched <span style="font-weight: bold;">Farrah Fawcett’s documentary</span> the other night and much of it hit home with me. It was painful to watch since my grandfather died as a result of an awful battle with cancer. <span style="font-weight: bold;">While my disease is different, I can relate on a number of levels to Farrah. </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">I, too, have endured much pain and was even prescribed Methotrexate (which originated as a cancer drug) as a teen. I will never forget every Wednesday night <span style="font-weight: bold;">while I watched Beverly Hills 90210 trying to disguise the pills in Oreo cookies as if I would somehow forget that I was taking them.</span> And it was never long before I found myself throwing up in the bathroom due to the effects of the medication. It was a horrible feeling and a horrible period in my life. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> <span style="color:#000000;">I could also relate when Farrah said she doesn’t recognize her body anymore as a result of the disease and treatments. <span style="font-weight: bold;">While I’ve had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis most of my life, I have always felt like an “alien” in my own body.</span> Some days, I refer to myself as a <span style="font-weight: bold;">90-year-old trapped inside a 29-year-old’s body</span>. But then I look at my neighbor who is about that age and I realize I’m wrong—I’m in worse shape, crippled by the disease and almost always in pain. I envy her as I watch her kneeling in her yard pulling weeds and trimming the bushes. I haven’t been able to kneel since I was about 7, and I’ve never been able to tend to our lawn. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It’s sad when even the most mundane chores seem desirable simply because you can’t do them.</span> Then the self-pity kicks in even more and I start to resent that I will likely die having never had the chance to mow the lawn, or ride a bicycle, or even walk down the aisle to meet that knight in shining armor. (Did I mention most guys can’t look past the wheelchair?)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color:#000000;">And while most days I try to focus on the bright side of life, the tough reality of living with arthritis that so many people are unaware of is one that I can never ignore.</span></p>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-48229336523895418482009-05-15T13:54:00.000-07:002009-05-15T14:02:14.624-07:00Teachers Change Lives: Special Thanks to Ms. Lynn Rich<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAJ8nW2abHhEQOFyx6Smv7lNMV_gESi5LnwpjR0hVDYXI0wwDjpEwQC1ELn255yc1i1w2l_6ZhgO0aO_xHHqpqZ5DGK3TQsv8SzLrb_AAXW39aTCVaQh96HEoqSy2YlRh51kKibFlnoI/s1600-h/Nottingham.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcAJ8nW2abHhEQOFyx6Smv7lNMV_gESi5LnwpjR0hVDYXI0wwDjpEwQC1ELn255yc1i1w2l_6ZhgO0aO_xHHqpqZ5DGK3TQsv8SzLrb_AAXW39aTCVaQh96HEoqSy2YlRh51kKibFlnoI/s400/Nottingham.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336157287187586354" border="0" /></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Today, I had the pleasure of presenting my former high school English teacher Lynn Rich with a signed copy of my <a href="http://kellyrouba.blogspot.com/2006/04/juvenile-arthritis-ultimate-teen-guide.html">book</a>.<br /><br />Ms. Rich made her students strive to earn high marks and because of this I had to work even harder at something that had always come naturally to me. If it weren’t for her, my writing would not be at the level it is today, and I may not have been inspired to go on to pursue a career in the field.<br /><br />It’s been more than 10 years since I graduated from <a href="http://hamilton.k12.nj.us/hamilton/Schools/Nottingham%20High%20School">Nottingham High School</a>, but we still keep in touch and I know I can always count on Ms. Rich for professional advice. In fact, she was there to guide me when I needed help with my bibliography and for that, I am grateful.<br /></span>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-54460462559043378332009-05-04T04:41:00.000-07:002009-05-04T04:42:16.337-07:00Give Children with Arthritis A Voice<p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><strong><em>As part of National Arthritis Month, which takes place each May, I am asking that you help me in my mission to create awareness of a disease that is often ignored by the mainstream media--juvenile arthritis.</em></strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">“Imagine </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;">waking up every morning so stiff from joint pain that you are barely able to crawl out of bed. You hobble your way to the tub to fix a hot bath—after all, it’s the only thing that will help your joints to loosen up. After taking a bath, your stiffness has lessened, leaving you with just the normal aches </span></span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">and pains you’re faced with daily. Today the pain may not be so severe, but tomorrow it could be much worse. It’s the type of pain that makes everyday tasks quite difficult—sometimes even impossible. All you want to do is escape. Going to bed has become your favorite “activity,” just as long as you don’t lie </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">there thinking about the day ahead.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The situation I just described might sound like the life of someone in his or her golden years—perhaps even your own grandmother or grandfather—but it’s not. It is the life of more than three hundred thousand children and teens living with juvenile arthritis.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">The above excerpt was taken from Chapter 2 of my recently released book <em>Juvenile Arthritis:<span> </span>The Ultimate Teen Guide</em>.<span> </span>The book not only shares the stories of teens and pre-teens living with juvenile arthritis, but also serves as a comprehensive self-help guide for individuals who have the disease and their families.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;"><strong>As part of National Arthritis Month, which takes place each May, I am asking that you help me in my mission to create awareness of a disease that is often ignored by the mainstream media.</strong> Please give those of us who have juvenile arthritis a voice in our quest for better treatments and a cure. So many members of the public are unaware that children can get arthritis and that it can severely impact our mobility in addition to causing much pain. And sadly, despite what commercials show, aspirin is not a cure or even of much help to those dealing with juvenile arthritis. In fact, many of the treatments now on the market only work for a small percentage of patients and many stop working after several years of taking them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">Personally speaking, o</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:100%;color:#000000;">ver the years, arthritis has restricted more and more of my mobility and I now rely on a wheelchair to get around. My goal in life is to help others become more aware of this debilitating disease so future generations of children do not have to experience all that I have went through and can live their lives without limitations. I hope that you will find it in your hearts to stop allowing this disease to go unnoticed and ignored by sharing our stories.</span></p>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-91192106278194807032009-04-16T19:03:00.000-07:002009-04-16T19:12:16.191-07:00In the company of powerful women: NJ Governor's ConferenceOn May 12th, I'll be in the company of some amazing women at the <a href="http://www.nj.gov/dca/womensconference/speakers.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 NJ Governor's Conference for Women.</span></a><br /><br />Cokie Roberts, Maya Angelou, and influential women in politics, health care, finance and media! See the complete list below(scroll towards the bottom to find me!):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nj.gov/dca/womensconference/speakers.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 157px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQWQm4jMlGPwxF4HaztZAEkuvXMPejcjHCJlrwyFQ_wqrM4oUTqCGvBkbZXHDWovb1npJNmU8mWri3nxBWbkc4LiJLvm09cXajC0XSU-l44-l3wK-kRyEVK6AFNHt0uVdjCCpLhheKRA/s400/wc09_banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325475513220480914" border="0" /></a>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-34552219063424845752009-04-12T21:01:00.000-07:002009-04-12T21:13:16.536-07:00Kelly Rouba on Blog Talk Radio<span style="font-size:130%;">On <span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday April 13<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> at 1pm</span> I will be chatting with Tamara Walker, R.N., host of the <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/flylady/momrn">Ask <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MomRN</span> Show on Blog Talk Radio</a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Listen to me live</span> by clicking play below.<br /><br />Feel free to call <span style="font-weight: bold;">(347) 945-7957</span> with your questions or your stories. I'd love to hear from you!<br /><br />For more information about the Ask <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MomRN</span> Show, click <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/flylady/momrn">here</a>.</span><br /><br /><img style="visibility: hidden; width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyMzk1OTQ3MjU1MzYmcHQ9MTIzOTU5NDczNDk*MyZwPTQ1MDk3MiZkPSZnPTEmdD*mbz**YTliZTFhOTRlMWE*OGZlYjYwNjViOTI5MDMxOGJkNw==.gif" border="0" height="0" width="0" /><embed src="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/BTRPlayer.swf?displayheight=&file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2fstations/flylady/momrn%2fplay_list.xml?show_id=458444&autostart=false&shuffle=false&volume=80&corner=rounded&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FlashPlayerCallback.aspx&width=215&height=108" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" wmode="transparent" menu="false" height="108" width="215"></embed>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-60375998053244913442009-04-03T06:48:00.000-07:002009-04-03T12:37:25.066-07:00Arthritis Fitness with the Wii: How a virtual game made me an athlete<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nintendo.com/wii"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxTes-u-YssNhGx2MzQSPnxb47KC6oTwjx5CSwhyc7-HFGmwdwipQDnIXwUIIDFBcbTjpCF_i3JFCFa8fUgPcst9XIqqZGwcm7Uhx7G3pnu0t1K3ZakouQ_aJNvobkc3ycDz6WlEYkhE/s320/nintendo_wii.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320462964471975762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I remember when my brother Kevin stood in line for about a half hour so he could be one of the first people to get </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Nintendo's latest video game system called <a href="http://www.nintendo.com/wii">Wii </a>in 2006</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. At the time, I didn't really understand what all the hype was about until he brought the system to my home so I could try it out. After he popped in the first sports game CD, I found myself immediately engrossed in virtual games of baseball, boxing and golf, and among others.<br /><br />Because of the severe physical limitations arthritis imposed on my body, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >I had never been able to play these sports before</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. Instead, I always sat on the sidelines watching my brother play baseball and soccer as he grew up. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Now, for the first time, we could play together-even if it was virtually-and I even broke a sweat!</span>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-73313619709080077082009-04-02T16:36:00.000-07:002009-04-02T16:39:41.469-07:00Kelly's book available now!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.amazon.com/Juvenile-Arthritis-Kelly-Rouba/dp/0810860554"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMguRD6TX2Z92pXhmh-fOB-bfKt3CyYQa9juouvvte3GMSaH3CNUIYlw17h-unNEjz1VA8SFbrlvlkpiQPzQAuZh3cJEMTr7Za5d2QFGxthZ-YWPOoXTDsrCYyBG5jIGQBb17-t0BTvA/s400/juvenile_arthritis1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320242154419388578" border="0" /></a></div>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-36001128711660008162008-04-02T16:30:00.000-07:002010-03-17T18:11:25.131-07:00Meet Kelly Rouba<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOLefuUeJKOVmNqWBKYhgxeA3PKoMilUZmwbIFb39GKAhMRoVTz507v63foNk9ry98aue-UEPy1P-N7aC1JrSYc5gEIwk4NUhFv-JlgXw3PhLlIzr7gMlWrBWDQB81_Wrmw96GrXBWWA/s1600-h/Kelly_Rouba.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320241245874864690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOLefuUeJKOVmNqWBKYhgxeA3PKoMilUZmwbIFb39GKAhMRoVTz507v63foNk9ry98aue-UEPy1P-N7aC1JrSYc5gEIwk4NUhFv-JlgXw3PhLlIzr7gMlWrBWDQB81_Wrmw96GrXBWWA/s320/Kelly_Rouba.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 235px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 188px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Hi, I’m Kelly Rouba and thanks for visiting today! Although you may know me as a juvenile arthritis advocate, I wear many hats: I’m an author, a journalist, a pr professional, NJ resident and a young woman with a strong voice.<br />
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I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 2. It wasn’t until I got to college that I began to accept and “embrace” my situation-a decision that has also led me on a path of advocacy. In fact, I was Ms. Wheelchair NJ a couple years ago, which allowed me to share my message with a broader audience.<br />
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Lately, I have become even more limited by the disease and my body is not responding well to available medications. However, this only drives me to want to get the word out about juvenile arthritis even more. I know there is a still a lot of ground to cover as I meet people on a weekly basis that have no idea children can get the disease.<br />
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Since I do not want others to experience the pain that I have had throughout my life, I am excited with the power that my book can have to change someone’s life.<br />
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I have heard from people featured in the book and who have read it that they wish there was a book like this around when they were young. I can remember throwing away all of my arthritis books, just not wanting to know about my disease. That is not the response that I think kids and families will have with my book. They will meet other kids, teens and adults with JRA and know that there is hope and there is a way to lead a normal life.<br />
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Please join me on my path to awareness, education and hopefully a cure for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Feel free to share with me your stories or questions. I'd love to hear from you!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">About Kelly Rouba</span><br />
Kelly Rouba is an accomplished journalist and public speaker, starting her journalism career at age 19 when she took a position as a stringer for Trenton Times while still in college. Among her various publications, Ms. Rouba also writes for thisabled.com and mobilewomen.org, and serves as a member of mobilewomen's Advisory Committee.<br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ms. Rouba works full-time with EAD & Associates, an emergency management firm specializing in special needs populations. She is also a DAE/Special Needs Specialist with the Dept. of Homeland Security/FEMA Region II.<br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">She a member of Hamilton Township's Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and Project Freedom's Board of Trustees. In 2007, she served on the planning committee for the NJ Governor's Conference on Employment for People with Disabilities and was chair of the public relations sub-committee--a role she has recently resumed. She also served as emcee and a panelist at the conference.<br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Ms. Rouba held the title of Ms. Wheelchair New Jersey from December 2006-February 2008 and even served as state program coordinator until recently.<br />
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</span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">She has been featured in numerous print and online publications. She was also interviewed on WZBN News, ABC's television show Perspective New Jersey, and Disaboom Radio; she was also introduced on Live With Regis & Kelly. Presently, she is being filmed by Agency New Jersey for a documentary on juvenile arthritis.</span><br />
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</span>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-4435168822500452752008-04-01T16:45:00.000-07:002010-05-20T11:26:40.392-07:00Press: Web, Radio and Print<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmw8jqXOreRn6tjod3fkbim_jTXglq1F7_lFluLrlxelzAw67qNswFgaA5qFjdX2-m0r7bRLqLTQHIvIWyd0OhfJaB5I8D6GnM52UFes24fDuNnuPol36iOSvpsYNgEyX0-EmAJSllgE/s1600/Regina_Hall_CoverM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmw8jqXOreRn6tjod3fkbim_jTXglq1F7_lFluLrlxelzAw67qNswFgaA5qFjdX2-m0r7bRLqLTQHIvIWyd0OhfJaB5I8D6GnM52UFes24fDuNnuPol36iOSvpsYNgEyX0-EmAJSllgE/s200/Regina_Hall_CoverM.jpg" width="75" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>May 2010: Ability Magazine blog: <a href="http://blog.abilitymagazine.com/?p=439">"Juvenile Arthritis, Kelly Rouba's Journey to Raise Awareness"</a></b><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">September 14, 2009: MobileLife Today: <a href="http://mobilelifetoday.com/health/09/14/kellys-story/">"Kelly's Story"</a><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_b_gbnAHvh-GdVfEoT6itQ6kjvTQTT3dB7VPqKlKSuflijiNc1od234GJoO1lu0FpBEXHfgKRFlwnQdjCwXe_pNrETDsBdIPSHQhFjwRXpAYyFf8tgaRuDlUl-ZzvApd-FJ9-T2UKxQ/s1600-h/Picture+61.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384350415569603826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_b_gbnAHvh-GdVfEoT6itQ6kjvTQTT3dB7VPqKlKSuflijiNc1od234GJoO1lu0FpBEXHfgKRFlwnQdjCwXe_pNrETDsBdIPSHQhFjwRXpAYyFf8tgaRuDlUl-ZzvApd-FJ9-T2UKxQ/s320/Picture+61.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 44px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 252px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">September 10, 2009: The Collegian, Univ. of Richmond Student Newspaper: </span><a href="http://www.thecollegianur.com/2009/09/10/sophomore-battles-arthritis-keeps-figure-skating/" style="font-weight: bold;">"Sophomore battles arthritis, keeps figure skating"</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4NZycHdLxaF70aX_1SBYgrNAwy6XjppJXGw-La1hnFWZukiGGIJ9PsYOlFtiNlBGAOBD7i7Dp9jprbNRP1GY-ZasR7UskvBU6Z8k-6cKfLB0-PHBTwbhhV29aQvl-VueRi2JJ1t3xQw/s1600-h/newsPlacesNJThe_Trentonian-resized200.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376829688907539490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4NZycHdLxaF70aX_1SBYgrNAwy6XjppJXGw-La1hnFWZukiGGIJ9PsYOlFtiNlBGAOBD7i7Dp9jprbNRP1GY-ZasR7UskvBU6Z8k-6cKfLB0-PHBTwbhhV29aQvl-VueRi2JJ1t3xQw/s400/newsPlacesNJThe_Trentonian-resized200.gif" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 84px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 199px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">August 27, 2009: The Trentonian: </span><a href="http://mrsmonj.googlepages.com/Trentonian" style="font-weight: bold;">"Willing, able to save lives"</a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_sGQ536gKzZ8YF9yQ4UfoosLK6s17rkg2BDMJmjGY0EEuX4-XSlJEXl-I5Ol1kLdCCmOz-4z9MRq0T89ggp5EDFdNuzauQXFB4-5YZtRgZoYhiMsyHeQEW_SB6lrYIJot959TxgQ5_0/s1600-h/Picture+2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355788898241414946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_sGQ536gKzZ8YF9yQ4UfoosLK6s17rkg2BDMJmjGY0EEuX4-XSlJEXl-I5Ol1kLdCCmOz-4z9MRq0T89ggp5EDFdNuzauQXFB4-5YZtRgZoYhiMsyHeQEW_SB6lrYIJot959TxgQ5_0/s200/Picture+2.png" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 23px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 213px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">July 1, 2009: Wall Street Journal: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124640564984476653.html">"</a></span><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124640564984476653.html"><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">Institute Offers Blueprint for U.S. Effort to Compare Medical Treatments" </span></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRH91zVqYD26SPIkSvM4yYxhsloLX1tQ93W5LQ8Vi6SUYM_qL1b3iFMuCdG8Mu1AiwcyZC7MUtFthEGPuHygns0rSwQkeigf7QVEDZOEQaRRFEm6OUVCDWJ85BrID0k9DVKEgWoy0LQY/s1600-h/d459a39c-0887-4537-87bd-0fdbfc7afe3dPowerWomen_ad_logo_125.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355791586213931170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRH91zVqYD26SPIkSvM4yYxhsloLX1tQ93W5LQ8Vi6SUYM_qL1b3iFMuCdG8Mu1AiwcyZC7MUtFthEGPuHygns0rSwQkeigf7QVEDZOEQaRRFEm6OUVCDWJ85BrID0k9DVKEgWoy0LQY/s200/d459a39c-0887-4537-87bd-0fdbfc7afe3dPowerWomen_ad_logo_125.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 102px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 102px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">June 25, 2009: Power Women Magazine: <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/powerwomenmag">Blog Talk Radio Interview</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvGt4nmsCNsWJwPJv8Kkjqxe0zdkgE_kRH0hCAD1bciwmCQWnKi73cvXenfzDWaXNBFWIT0MWaAYkean3xMLLxJOjwm0WzUfSd5w9g3aIxJJEu0dPs_hIlZVhS1U8ag4Wlbc5qInx81o/s1600-h/ea-sports-active-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349231740081530338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvGt4nmsCNsWJwPJv8Kkjqxe0zdkgE_kRH0hCAD1bciwmCQWnKi73cvXenfzDWaXNBFWIT0MWaAYkean3xMLLxJOjwm0WzUfSd5w9g3aIxJJEu0dPs_hIlZVhS1U8ag4Wlbc5qInx81o/s200/ea-sports-active-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 75px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 111px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">June 19, 2009: EA Sports Active Blog: "<a href="http://www.easportsactive.com/diaries.action?blogId=Blog%20Entry%20-%20Kelly-20090620010508301.xml&authorId=kpeck2">Meet Kelly Rouba</a>"<br />
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May 13, 2009:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> ParentTalkToday.com: <a href="http://www.parenttalktoday.com/parenttalk/2009/05/juvenile-arthritis-what-parents-need-to-know.html">"Juvenile Arthritis-What Parents Need To Know"</a><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">April 17, 2009: <a href="http://www.jointslikemine.com/blog/?p=367">JointsLikeMine.com</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3av92GQuOKEvp4id6nBNNF-o9d_O9SK4hDYMKoNIlBRxLuDbr_GIUhYq4NQiWakiIvDq7ljplQk7H6Bj6zWMByrVFPGVrJ-coegg1m_Ab9PW4FEmhYaoqn2vhmLMLaCcJqkZUJbV5ds/s1600-h/no_free_rides.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325833728648461618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3av92GQuOKEvp4id6nBNNF-o9d_O9SK4hDYMKoNIlBRxLuDbr_GIUhYq4NQiWakiIvDq7ljplQk7H6Bj6zWMByrVFPGVrJ-coegg1m_Ab9PW4FEmhYaoqn2vhmLMLaCcJqkZUJbV5ds/s320/no_free_rides.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 94px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 94px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">April 10, 2009: Podcast<br />
<a href="http://www.xable.com/lifestyle/nofreerides/episode47">"No Free Rides" with Tiffany Carlson-An xAble.com Lifestyle Show for Women</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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April 3,2009: HamiltonSpace.com</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> by Norine Longo</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hamiltonspace.com/article/19489-someone+you+should+know+kelly+rouba" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320244455236069378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7J5rgN4JNRPw1WhRxTD7-K8huIDESTetIpQ-qmHjkYdrIgT6IOpc8JgKLM9LqkiV28PTckn-T0mOaqseHfnBX9XMoRehS20Vb1slXg8MpkqOex34B6aThhw-veeZ31hH-UFxnezHb5Y/s320/header_branding.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 76px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.inkdandbeyond.org/lifebeyond.aspx?item=KDConnect/Community/kellyroubamgth2009.xml" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320247100079295106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAfuTCB20N15Gx-Z7L4S5c-mCXE6HDaJyO5CeOtLHKFufh-ujZoMpFdBqmP0C_cXmG_p5ikpPhtoNkD-ThkgS8JYArTdPYTzG3-dhEh15KNlaNwdloFZUSGxtnd4AwRFyA_M80WUDFY0/s320/spring2009angelos.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 97px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 82px;" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spring 2009: The Angelos of Kappa Delta</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://hmorris-solutions.com/" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320245246769728562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOLlWIIElqbN_1v41eNjNH4-hSIkoBXQnoeJMxqSkCFYWsuJxHLgNDSJ3NFLmbqwGd18CxYI4UWzbXu4auGGOx-6UYDLci6i9LrmIOD_36-Lgb5z_6mp0X3GeI1wxGzvLNZuU3N2teQA/s320/logo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 63px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 98px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">March/April 2009: H. Morris Solutions</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">November 2008: CreakyJoints.com</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">NJ Superstar: Volunteer-of-the-Year</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.creakyjoints.org/community/members/cj-superstar/kelly-rouba-volunteer-of-the-year-and-cj-superstar" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320246182815071458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuAeA4NNEO7W8vzK_oomVv-eJSudrNx7UNuTa4-idleEjeF4Q8TW3efktr_iP2QZDrhWeIpuHTjI7ouKNw9aY3gJq1szK0qGIh0X9FRvZtBVxVUDLJfvelT2s7MVYrQkffKq8MDQ6lySY/s320/logo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 35px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 148px;" /></a></div>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-73716229863858779642008-03-03T06:29:00.000-08:002009-04-03T06:43:30.158-07:00Contact Kelly<form method="post" action="http://www.emailmeform.com/fid.php?formid=274805" enctype="multipart/form-data" charset="UTF-8"><br /><table style="width: 682px; height: 129px; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" bg="" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><br /><tbody><tr><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /> </span><td><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Comic Sans;font-size:130%;" >Do you have a question for Kelly about her book, her experience with Arthritis or just a general question about supporting Arthritis research?<br /><br />Do you have a personal story to share?<br /><br />Fill out the form below.</span></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></form><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Comic Sans;font-size:100%;" >Your Name</span><br /><input name="FieldData0" value="" maxlength="100" type="text" style="font-size:30;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Comic Sans;font-size:100%;" >Your Email Address</span><br /><input name="FieldData1" value="" maxlength="100" type="text" style="font-size:30;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Comic Sans;font-size:100%;" >URL (opt)</span><br /><input name="FieldData2" value="" maxlength="100" type="text" style="font-size:30;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Comic Sans;font-size:100%;" >Message</span><br /><textarea name="FieldData3" cols="60" rows="10"></textarea><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Comic Sans;font-size:100%;" >How did you hear about Kelly?</span><br /><input name="FieldData4" value="" maxlength="100" size="30" type="text"> <div style="position: absolute; left: 1800px; top: 20px;"><a href="http://www.emailmeform.com/">php form</a></div><br /><br /><table bg="" style="color: rgb(228, 248, 228);" width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0"><br /><tbody><tr bg="" style="color: rgb(170, 214, 170);"><br /></tr><br /><tr><br /><td style="padding: 2px;" width="10"><img src="http://www.emailmeform.com/turing.php" id="captcha" /></td><br /><td valign="top"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please enter the text from the image</span><br /><input name="Turing" value="" maxlength="100" size="10" type="text"><br />[ <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=5320897870897989721&postID=7371622986385877964#" onclick=" document.getElementById('captcha').src = document.getElementById('captcha').src + '?' + (new Date()).getMilliseconds()">Refresh Image</a> ] [ <a href="http://www.emailmeform.com/?v=turing&pt=popup" onclick="window.open('http://www.emailmeform.com/?v=turing&pt=popup','_blank','width=400, height=300, left=' + (screen.width-450) + ', top=100');return false;">What's This?</a> ]<br /></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /><input name="hida2" value="" maxlength="100" size="3" style="display: none;" type="text"><br /><input class="btn" value="Submit" name="Submit" type="submit"> <input class="btn" value=" Clear " name="Clear" type="reset">Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-86300543228067956582008-03-03T06:13:00.000-08:002009-04-03T06:27:08.635-07:00Thank you for your message!<span style="font-size:130%;">Your message has been sent and you will get a response in 1-2 days.<br /><br />Thank you for supporting my mission to help find a cure for Arthritis.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpefXK3W3hVwubKNtnyAUiHYFNo90K7BymS_KfiOqzTs_ZOpS1BGfTnvOM6HWbukh0tz17GeMwBL9dxDLkGZMvJlILRkRIfqvswmxIEvciALfgCir7OZ-2llcISlpgiE6yYZDolInxRBg/s1600-h/8cbe7dd5548e0f720cbb80308172f3ea.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 94px; height: 72px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpefXK3W3hVwubKNtnyAUiHYFNo90K7BymS_KfiOqzTs_ZOpS1BGfTnvOM6HWbukh0tz17GeMwBL9dxDLkGZMvJlILRkRIfqvswmxIEvciALfgCir7OZ-2llcISlpgiE6yYZDolInxRBg/s400/8cbe7dd5548e0f720cbb80308172f3ea.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320456000338774962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-34920347151713294652008-03-02T16:59:00.000-08:002009-04-02T17:00:25.073-07:00Photos, Videos and More<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ENhnSv_zta4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ENhnSv_zta4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5320897870897989721.post-86925381699568441842008-02-03T06:45:00.000-08:002010-05-05T10:56:23.180-07:00Speaking Engagements & Appearances<span style="font-size: 130%;">Kelly Rouba is available to speak to your school, community, organization and staff. </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">For more information about scheduling an appearance with Kelly, contact:</span><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 130%;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Hilary Morris</span></span><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
H. Morris Solutions, LLC</span><span style="color: #993399; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;"><br />
609-462-3228</span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<a href="mailto:hmorris@hmorris-solutions.com" style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">hmorris@hmorris-solutions.com</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 130%;"><br />
<span style="color: #993399; font-weight: bold;">Upcoming</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></span><br />
•<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">July 31, 2010-Juvenile Arthritis Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Panel speaker for </span><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">“Young Adult Panel: Young adults who grew up with juvenile arthritis share their experiences of life with JA.”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #993399; font-size: 130%; font-weight: bold;">Past</span><br />
•<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">October 20, 2009- DiscoverAbility in New Brunswick, NJ</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;"> (The NJ Dept. of Human Services 2009 Employment Conference for People with Disabilities.)</span><br />
•October 20, 2009<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 100%;">- ADA Center for Independent Living's Workshop on Employment in Edison, NJ</span> <br />
•<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">November 19,2009- Virginia Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation’s Commitment for a Cure Breakfast in Richmond, VA</span></span><br />
•October 2009- Missile Defense Agency Kickoff of the Combined Federal Campaign<br />
•June 2009- Giving workshop at United Spinal Association’s Independence Expo in NY on networking<br />
• June 2009- Speaking at Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund’s annual luncheon<br />
• May 2009- Moderated panel at Governor’s Conference for Women in Atlantic City<br />
• May 2009- Spoke at Mercer County Arthritis Walk<br />
• April 2009- Panelist and moderator at RESNA conference in Philadelphia, PA<br />
• February 2009- Speaker at Indian Fields Elementary School for Celebrating Uniqueness Day<br />
• January 2009- Allies,Inc fundraiser at KatManDu<br />
• November 2008- Gave acceptance speech at Governor’s Volunteerism Award Ceremony<br />
• November 2008- Guest speaker at Crossroads Middle School in South Brunswick, NJ<br />
• June 2008- Keynote speaker at NJ Governor’s Mansion for Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission’s anniversary celebration<br />
• May 2008- Speaker at Mercer County Arthritis Walk<br />
• April 2008- Guest speaker at Greenbrook Elementary School in Kendall Park, NJ<br />
• April 2008- Guest speaker at Rider University in Lawrence, NJ<br />
• April 2008- Keynote speaker at NJ Coalition on Women and Disabilities awards ceremony in East Brunswick, NJ<br />
• February 2008- Guest speaker at Beyond Media: The FeFe Stories at Jackson Library<br />
• February 2008- Hosted Ms. Wheelchair NJ Pageant<br />
• January 2008- Visited patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia<br />
• November 2007- Headlined fundraiser with Ultimate Fighting Champ Jens Pulver<br />
• November 2007- Guest speaker at Indians Field School<br />
• October 2007- Served as emcee and panelist at Governor’s Conference on Employment and People with Disabilities<br />
• September 2007- Invited to tour the highly restricted Cinderella’s Suite at Disney World<br />
• August 2007- Threw out first pitch at Trenton Thunder (Double AA of the NY Yankees) playoffs<br />
• August 2007- Served as judge at L’Oreal Beauty Pageant for Dogs in support of the Komen Foundation<br />
• July 2007- Competed in Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in Maryland<br />
• July 2007- Spoke to teen girls in the DOVE program at Valentine Hall, a juvenile detention center<br />
• June 2007- Served as keynote speaker at NJYAC Conference<br />
• June 2007- Participated in an event sponsored by Freedom Wings International<br />
• May 2007- Participated in Hamilton Township’s Memorial Day Parade<br />
• May 2007- Guest speaker at McKinley Community School’s Career Day<br />
• April 2007- Spoke on disability awareness at Robinson Elementary School<br />
• April 2007- Guest speaker at Applegarth School for Disability Awareness Day<br />
• April 2007- Made appearance at Abilities Expo in Edison<br />
• April 2007- Spoke on disability awareness at Morgan Elementary School<br />
• April 2007- Participated in the Mercer County Arthritis Walk and took part in ribbon cutting<br />
• March 2007- Panelist at Next Step Conference on employment sponsored by Resources for Independent Living<br />
• March 2007- Spoke on disability awareness at Kiel School<br />
• March 2007- Participated in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Trenton<br />
• Fall 2006- Spoke at employment conference sponsored by Resources for Independent LivingMrs Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03101501849078741790noreply@blogger.com1