We wanted to share an e-mail we received about our sponsorship and participation in the “A Midsummer Night’s Run” 2009.  The run is an annual event organized in support of the Department of Rheumatology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.  The e-mail was from a former patient from SickKids, who was first diagnosed with Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in the sixties.

“I want to thank Planet Forward, which is more known to be an eco-friendly company, for their donation of stainless steel water bottles and sponsorship at this year’s Run for the Department of Rheumatology at SickKids Hospital.  I have always believed not enough attention is granted to this devastating disease and there does not seem to be enough being done for arthritis research. It’s nice to see a corporation recognize this as well and take action in support.

I have arthritis and have lived with the pain of it for most of my life.  When I was diagnosed as a child the options opened to me at the time were few, and involved a combination of over the counter drugs, paraffin wax treatments and physiotherapy.  Unfortunately I was in a wheelchair for two years, unable to walk in my early teens. I have had many bouts of the disease, which continues to ravage all my joints. I have also had a few periods of remission, which were very welcomed, but it always came back with a vengeance.

After countless surgeries, I still have many to go just to maintain a basic standard of living. I rely heavily on my pain management specialist.  It seems no amount of surgeries will lead to pain free days.  It is refreshing to see a company look beyond the popular diseases of the day to call attention to one that continues to ravage children and consequently plague the rest of their lives.  Also, I am pleased that an ecofriendly company does not only sponsor environmental causes but sees the big picture when it comes to a healthier future – a future that includes eliminating childhood diseases as well.

It is wonderful, to know that this kind of event gives hope to those living with rheumatoid arthritis.  Even if it leads to one less child being stricken with this horrible disease, it is worth the effort.

Thank you again for doing your part to promote and support the health of the planet and its inhabitants.”

~ S.V., Vaughan, Ontario