Canoga Park's Theo Sturm Named Youth Honoree by Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region, has named Canoga Park’s Theo Sturm, 12 years old, Youth Honoree for the 2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. He is in 8th grade at Sepulveda Middle School Gifted Magnet, and would like to be a Theoretical Quantum Physicist when he grows up. Theo was diagnosed at age 9, when he started feeling sharp pains in his knee. Since no family members have arthritis, and they didn’t realize that children could suffer from juvenile arthritis.

Since his first knee pain, Theo has had at least 4 MRIs, countless X-rays, and has tried more than 15 different medications. The pain and swelling has spread to almost all of Theo’s joints. He was officially diagnosed with Enthesitis Related Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis with Secondary Pain Syndrome.

Theo explains, “Being diagnosed with arthritis has changed my life in many ways. Some of the medications make me feel sick and very tired. In the mornings, I often wake up stiff and it’s difficult to start walking. During the day, I sometimes have to stop and put ice on my knees because they are hurting so badly.” He has had some positive experiences, like going to Camp Esperanza, a summer camp for children with arthritis. His family also attended Family Weekends at The Painted Turtle camp and the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference in Anaheim, where he met kids from all over the country who live with arthritis.

The 3rd annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk is a great way to celebrate the season of giving! Get in the holiday spirit by coming in costume and tying jingle bells to your shoelaces! The Arthritis Foundation expects hundreds to participate in the Los Angeles Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk this year on Sunday, December 14th, 2014, starting at 8:00 AM in front of The Alex Theatre, 216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale CA 91203. Chosen as one of the Most Incredible Themed Races, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is a holly jolly way to find a cure for nearly 53 million adults and 300,000 children with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.

Runners and walkers will enjoy live entertainment, a Kid’s Zone, refreshments, Santa Claus, and carolers as they jingle along the timed 5K course that will pass through The Americana at Brand. The 2014 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Honorees will be on stage to share their stories. Youth Honoree Theo Sturm, age 12, was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when he was nine years old. Jennifer Bachman, Young Adult Honoree, has enjoyed going to the Arthritis Foundation’s summer camp as both a camper and now a counselor. Medical Honoree Noune Pashinian, MD, has been practicing Rheumatology for 17 years. George Tang, MD, Orthopedic Honoree, is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in joint replacement.

Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., and the opening program begins at 7:30 a.m. The timed 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:00 a.m. An awards ceremony will follow at 9:30 a.m. There will be a special “Tot Trot” at 10:00 a.m. for children under 8 years. All participants will receive a t-shirt and medal, with special medals awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, male and female, in each age category.

Form a team and register today by visiting www.lajbr.org. The registration fee is $45 for adults and $25 for children under 13 years.