'We All Know Someone Impacted by Arthritis'

Carla DiGiovanni says Arthritis can take an emotional toll. She struggled with the disease as a child in the 1970s when there were limited resources for treatment.

“Medically, I was a guessing game, a guinea pig,” she said. “The emotional toll of not feeling confident in your future...it can't be described.”

Advances in medical research has resulted in new treatment for the family of diseases, said DiGiovanni, an Atlanta resident.

On Saturday morning, She participates in the in Sandy Springs. A good crowd is expected for the event, which includes a three-mile and one-mile course. The walk starts at 10 a.m. at the King and Queen buildings. Registration is at 9 a.m. Visit the website to sign-up or donate.

According to the website, 50 million Americans live with Arthritis.

“There is absolutely no question that each and every one of us knows somebody that is impacted by these diseases...It is so difficult to watch vibrant, willing people as they seem to shrivel with the loss of control over their own bodies,” DiGiovanni said.

Dogs get Arthritis too. Participants in the Arthritis walk are welcome to bring their pooch. They must have current shots and be in stable health.