Huntington Boy Overcomes Arthritis, Receives Honor From Arthritis Foundation

Justin Edgar-McNerney of Huntington knows all about the daily struggles of arthritis from first-hand experience. He was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when he was just 5 years old.

There were days when his arthritis was so bad that he would be unable to walk.

But now, Edgar-McNerney lives his life pain-free and is able to be a regular kid thanks to his family and medical team who worked hard to find a treatment regimen to help with his pain. He enjoys playing the drums in the school marching band, skiing and traveling.

Edgar-McNerney was recently named the Young Adult Honoree of the 2015 Long Island Walk to Cure Arthritis, which is the Arthritis Foundation’s main event to raise awareness and funding for the disease.

“Justin has been a champion for young people who live with arthritis and we are thrilled to have him as the Young Adult Honoree for our 2015 Walk,” said Jackie Duodu-Burbridge, regional director of the Arthritis Foundation, in a press release.

More than 3.6 million adults and 18,400 children are living with arthritis in New York State, the foundation says.

The walk will kick-off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 16 at Belmont Lake State Park in Babylon.

More than 700 individuals, families and corporate teams are expected to walk this year.

“I am excited about raising awareness of arthritis and helping others understand the importance of early diagnosis,” Edgar-McNerney said.

Image via Arthritis Foundation

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