Thursday, May 30, 2013

WOW! Arthritis Foundation Research Event a HUGE Success!




I am so honored to be a part of this organization! Tonight over 60 individuals from arthritis patients to researchers to doctors to interested community members came together to listen to two amazing doctors speak. We learned from Dr. Kafka, who is a local rheumatologist in WV and Dr. Hardin, VP of research for The Arthritis Foundation! We are making moves and spreading awareness...join us!







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Sunday, May 26, 2013

This Week as Mrs. West Virginia


What an incredible week!

This week, I had the opportunity to ride in the Three Rivers Festival Grand Parade representing my amazing title. The community of Fairmont, WV welcomed me with open arms and there was such a great turnout - even with dark clouds above!

I got to ride on a Corvette from a generous auto dealer in Fairmont, Frank Sowers...it even came with an awesome driver! 


On Saturday, I had the amazing opportunity to throw the First Pitch at a West Virginia Power Baseball Game and The Arthritis Foundation set-up a table to spread awareness at the park. It was such an incredible experience - I signed autographs, had my photo taken with so many wonderful people, met Mountain Man from Duck Dynasty and survived Redneck Night at the Park!  It truly was a night to remember. Oh, and in case you were wondering...I DID make it to the catcher when I threw out the First Pitch! :)





I was featured on the news when I threw the pitch - I'm between the WVU and the WV Power stories:

Also, here's a link to the full album of photos from the game:




Friday, May 24, 2013

The Arthritis Foundation at Power Park - Saturday, May 25th

Saturday, May 25th, The Arthritis Foundation will be at the West Virginia Power Park in Charleston!

I'm so excited to represent the wonderful foundation as I throw out the first pitch as an official appearance as Mrs. West Virginia. We will have a table at the game for individuals to come learn more about our organization and I'll be signing special Arthritis Foundation autograph cards!

It's Redneck Night at the park, too...I'm sure it should make for some interesting photos. We'll keep you posted, of course.

Keep moving, fellow arthritis friends! 

Monday, May 20, 2013

Go WV Arthritis Foundation!

Below is an excerpt from from John H. Klippel, MD - President and CEO of The Arthritis Foundation's Monday Morning Notes! Check out the WV Arthritis Foundation:

"And finally, last week a group of arthritis advocates met with and thanked West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin for naming May as Arthritis Month in the West Virginia (see photo attached). Julie Warden - has has rheumatoid arthritis and was recently named Mrs. West Virginia International - participated in the event and can be seen over the governor's right shoulder. Julie also serves on the West Virginia Advisory Board. Special Thanks to Shannon Holland (Great Lakes, West Virginia Branch Director) who recruited a great group of advocates to the ceremony.




Sunday, May 19, 2013

Week Two as Mrs. West Virginia International

What a week!

I can't even explain how thankful and blessed I am for the opportunities that have already come from being crowned Mrs. West Virginia International 2013.

The highlight of my week definitely came on Thursday, as I attended the signing of a Proclamation by Governor Tomblin officially announcing May as Arthritis Month! I met with an incredible group of individuals with arthritis, members of the Advisory Board and our wonderful WV Branch Director while the Governor helped us raise awareness for our cause. 


This week, I was featured in the Charleston Daily Mail and following the signing of the Arthritis Proclamation, I was featured on several television media outlets and I was on the radio!
I met so many wonderful people that day and I am honored to say I have new friends who face challenges with their arthritis, just like me. Below are two Juvenile Arthritis patients who have fueled my passion for bringing the first Pediatric Rheumatologist to our state!

I also traveled to  Logan, WV with the Leadership WV Class of 2013 and had the opportunity to go on the Hatfield McCoy Trails, meet First Lady Tomblin at a beautiful museum, dine at a real airplane hangar and ride in a helicopter! Leadership WV takes us all over the state to learn about the different industries and issues and it's such an awesome opportunity. This session was on coal and I learned a ton!




My week ended with a few personal days of family and friends. A few very great friends are moving to Montana, so my husband and I hosted a going away party on Saturday evening and today, I hosted a baby shower for one of my closest friends! She is due the week of the Mrs. International pageant...I'm hoping the new little man brings his Auntie some good luck while she's in Chicago! 

This week, I'll attend the WV Three Rivers Festival Parade and Opening Ceremonies and throw the First Pitch at a West Virginia Power Baseball Game! I can't wait!

Mrs. West Virginia In The News!

Here's a link to a recent newspaper article on me from The Daily Mail in Charleston, WV!

http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201305150224

Friday, May 17, 2013

WV Governor Tomblin Announces May as Arthritis Month!

Such an exciting day! Thank you, Governor Tomblin and all who attended and support our cause! Let's be pain free!


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Monday, May 13, 2013

National Facts about Arthritis

I think it's important to share facts about arthritis, so here are a few national facts I came across in my Jingle Bell Run meeting this evening.

  • The term "ARTHRITIS" encompasses more than 100 diseases and conditions that affect joints, the surrounding tissues and other connective tissues
  • Arthritis affects women at a much higher rate than men. Sixty percent of all people who have arthritis are female
  • Nearly 50 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis - That's 1 in 5 people!
  • Nearly 300,000 children under the age of 17 are affected by juvenile arthritis
  • Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States
  • Arthritis prevalence increases with age - Among adults over 65, the prevalence of arthritis is 48%
  • Each year, arthritis results in 39 million physician visits, 744,000 hospitalizations and $128 billion in costs of treatment, lost wages and other associated costs

This is WHY I am Passionate About Arthritis!

It's amazing to me that with my title, I've already made a new friend who is passionate about arthritis.

Shanna McClure sent me such a nice message on my official Mrs. West Virginia International Facebook page and it really put some things in perspective. First, my message is reaching others which is exactly what I want to do and second, people truly appreciate it!

Shanna sent me a messaged and said this:
"Thank you for the attention to arthritis in us young people and for serving as motivation that I CAN be happy and live my life! I am 31 and just recently diagnosed."

She explained that she was still learning what type of diet will work best for her and she has started working with a trainer. She has also learned about the Infrared Sauna and said it is her new best friend.

Something that Shanna said that really hit home to me was, "I just wanted to say thanks. So many people shake their head and act like I'm a baby and tell me I'm too young."

This is exactly why I have made it my mission to spread awareness about arthritis. Whether we are children, young adults or senior citizens, arthritis hurts...and it's important that we get the message out to assist in supporting others and motivating them to feel better!

Thanks so much to Shanna for not only sending me some awesome messages that have made me feel so great, but also for letting me feature her on my blog.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Happy Mother's Day!

My mom is my best friend, my rock, the one I look up to the most in this whole world.



I know how truly blessed I am to have a woman as wonderful as she is as my mom, but I'm going to dedicate this blog to her on this Mother's Day Weekend.

We're best friends. I know I can tell her anything, ask her anything, cry or laugh and no matter what, she's there. I was an active kid, to say the least. But no matter what, whether it was gymnastics, dance, track, pageants, school events or any of the other three thousand things I was involved in, she was there. She taught me the importance of building a strong family with morals and values and how important it is to love one another, through thick and thin. I want to be the kind of mom she is to me. I learn from her every single day and I take pride in the successful woman she is.
 We are similar, too. It's funny...I went to WVU and followed in her footsteps of a Journalism degree. After watching her passion of working with non-traditional students at West Virginia Junior College while I grew up, my career path led me to the same organization where I now work for our corporate office. We love the Mountaineers, of course, and enjoy the finer things in life - Shopping, Manicures and Pedicures and Good Wine. Oh...and we both love daisies..I know I'll never forget the big picture she always had hanging in our home with daisies on it. We talk a lot, we laugh a lot and we aren't afraid to stand firm for what we believe in.
 I can't choose a favorite memory of my mom and I because there are just too many. I will say that when I recently won Mrs. West Virginia International, when she came up to the stage to give me a hug with huge tears in her eyes, it just proved how incredible she is. She knew I had worked so hard and she was so unbelievably proud. What an incredible feeling. Another recent memory includes a time when my husband was out of town for business and she came out to stay the night with me. We drank sweet red wine, sat on my back deck and talked all night. It was perfect. Oh...and when she taught me how to make a pot roast. The look on her face when I said, "Oh, so you put a little piece of chocolate in it" when she opened the beef bullion cube to add was literally priceless. I'll never forget it.
 No matter what challenges my life has thrown at me, she's always been there with the perfect advice. She supports me on every journey, every challenge, every path my life takes. She's mended every broken heart, taught me the importance of reaching for the stars and has instilled values in me that have made me who I am today.
So tonight, I'm wishing a Happy Mother's Day to the most incredible woman in my world. I love you more than words can say and I am so thankful for you in every single way. When I become a mom, I want to be just like you and I know we will continue to make memories that will stay in my heart forever. Happy Mother's Day 2013, Mom! :)

Week 1 as Mrs. West Virginia International


One week ago, I was officially crowned Mrs. West Virginia International. I am so excited for this journey, and I certainly haven't wasted any time getting started. :)

This week was filled with preparations for the Mrs. International Pageant which I'll compete in July 19th and 20th. Additionally, I scheduled some super exciting appearances which include throwing the First Pitch at a WV Power Baseball Game and some exciting events at the West Virginia Day event in Charleston.

I had my official photo shoot with Brogan Photography, too. I'm so excited to see the photos! They do such a great job and are so much fun to work with. 

Most importantly, I had the opportunity to meet with the Arthritis Foundation of West Virginia Branch Director and the CEO of the Arthritis Foundation Great Lakes Region. I learned so much and I am so excited about my upcoming year representing this amazing organization. We are passionate about not only finding a cure for arthritis, but supporting others and doing our part to raise awareness in West Virginia. 

This weekend, I've enjoyed time with my two best friends, my MOM (Happy Mother's Day!) and tomorrow, I'll head to Ohio with my husband for his Woods Extreme Cross Country Racing Dirtbike Race. 

I want to send a special thanks to all of you who have wished congratulations. The overwhelming support from individuals all over our state is so touching...I'm so honored to represent West Virginia! :)

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Meet Ayla - Diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at 18 Months Old

This sweet little girl is now 6 years old living with Juvenile Arthritis. Check out her video! Over 1,600 children are affected by Juvenile Arthritis in West Virginia today.


Remember - West Virginia hosts its largest fundraiser on December 14th called The Jingle Bell Run in Charleston. Join us! 

It's Arthritis Month! Check out this fun Gallery-

Add your photo to show support for the Arthritis Foundation! I added mine!


http://www.arthritis.org/facesofarthritis/faces-user-gallery/?136803223270.jpg

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

A Moment to Remember

Following the Mrs. International tradition, my hubby crowned me!




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Family Matters :)

Here are a fee of my favorite pictures from the Mrs. West Virginia International Pageant! I can't wait to receive the others, especially ones with the man who made me a Mrs :)







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Moving Closer to a Cure

An Evening with the Arthritis Foundation in West Virginia
May 30, 2013 - Embassy Suites in Charleston, WV

The Arthritis Foundation is hosting a research event at the Embassy Suites in Charleston on Thursday, May 30th! The evening begins at 6:30 with a reception and exhibits, is followed by a program and dinner from 7:15 - 8:15 with a post-reception and exhibit from 8:15 - 9pm.

The event will feature John Hardin, MD who recently served as Vice President of Research for the Arthritis Foundation, acting as the lead scientific reviewer and spokesperson on research, medical studies and treatment of arthritis and related diseases. Additionally, Kelly Kafka, MD, President of the West Virginia Rheumatology Society will be presenting along with a West Virginia 'Face of Arthritis' Kirsten Smith.

Of course, I will be there making an official Mrs. West Virginia International appearance!

Individuals interested in attending should RSVP by Thursday, May 23, 2013 to Shannon Holland, Branch Director - sholland@arthritis.org or 304-205-1510

This event is made possibly through partners DOW and Genentech.



Monday, May 6, 2013

May is National Arthritis Month!

I can't believe my dream of being Mrs. West Virginia came true with The Arthritis Foundation as my platform DURING National Arthritis Month!

I am so excited to start spreading awareness with my title...we get in full swing starting this Thursday at our WV Advisory Board Meeting!


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Sunday, May 5, 2013

A Journey Has Begun

Yesterday, my life changed.

It has been my DREAM to be crowned Mrs. West Virginia and after a day of competition yesterday, it came true!

I officially have been crowned Mrs. West Virginia International and now have the opportunity to be a voice for The Arthritis Foundation in our state all year. This platform is obviously VERY close to my heart, as I live with the harsh affects arthritis has on our bodies each day. 

I will be traveling the state to build awareness, raise money for research and provide support for the many in our state who are affected by arthritis and I can't wait to get started. I will also travel to Chicago in July to compete at the Mrs. International Pageant with The Arthritis Foundation as my official platform.

This is only the beginning of my journey. I look forward to sharing stories with you along the way as I set out to prove that arthritis is just a PART of my life...it doesn't CONTROL my life...and it doesn't have to control yours, either. 


Mrs. West Virginia International! We Did It!

I am so excited to announce that yesterday, I was crowned Mrs. West Virginia International with the Arthritis Foundation as my official platform! I cannot wait to travel the state of West Virginia to speak about all that we can do to help the over 523,000 people with arthritis in our state. Thank you so much to Shannon Holland, our WV Director for all of your support and my wonderful friends and family :)


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Saturday, May 4, 2013

It's Pageant Day

I'm writing from the beautiful Tamarack in Beckley, WV today as I compete for Mrs. West Virginia International with The Arthritis Foundation as my platform! Ready to rock it! :)


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Friday, May 3, 2013

The Facts Behind Arthritis in West Virginia


We Need to Support the Arthritis Foundation in West Virginia!


Here's Why:







  • WV is number 1 in the United States in prevalence of adults with arthritis at 36%

  • 523,000 people have arthritis or a related disease

  • 1,600 children have a form of juvenile arthritis (JA)

  • There are 0 pediatric rheumatologists in the state

  • 42% of those working with arthritis have arthritis attributable work limitation

  • $1 billion dollars is the approximate cost of arthritis to West Virginia annually






Number 1 in the US, over 1 thousand of our children affected and nowhere for them to obtain care in our state? This is astounding. Let's get on board to get West Virginia informed about arthritis, making movement toward a better quality of life and funding research to cure this disease!


For more information about the Arthritis Foundation in WV, visit www.arthritis.org/west-virginia/