Miles for RA is a group of people that raises awareness for Rheumatoid Arthritis one mile at a time. We are coaches, and people what live with RA. We were organized by Coach Kenneth Rubio,and his Mother, Donna Zoerner, who lives with the daily struggle of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease (RA).
RA is a chronic, progressive and disabling auto-immune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, and organs. It attacks the joints, skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, or nerves as well. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body’s tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system and damages the body while causing chronic pain. It is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
The disease can begin at any age and even affects children (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, meaning it can’t be cured. RA is symmetrical, meaning if a joint on one side of the body is affected, the corresponding joint on the other side of the body is also involved. Because the inflammation is systemic, you’re likely to feel fatigued and you may become anemic, lose your appetite and run a low-grade fever. Inflammation in the joints leads to joint damage, which progress over time.The immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. RA ultimately affects a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks, and work. The disease can progress very rapidly.
Please help us create awareness and education for Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease, by sponsorship to our cause. We accept money for sponsorship on our website securely thru PayPal. You do not have to have a PayPal account to contribute. Please sponsor our latest event. Thank you!
News Coverage from Action 4 News . Thank you for your support Daisy Martinez and Action 4 News!
It’s been a long trek for Kenny Rubio.
“I rode 145 miles yesterday and then got up this morning and get going.”
The former Harlingen Cardinal Football player rode his bicycle from the state capitol, roughly 305 miles, to Harlingen to raise awareness for rheumatoid arthritis after his mom was diagnosed 4 years ago.
“I called my mom a few months ago and said I wanted to do something crazy.”
The journey to his parents barber shop in Harlingen wasn’t an easy one.
“I had a lot of up and downs. I was cramping in my quads and hamstring and my toes were in a lot of pain.”
Nothing, Kenny says, compared to what his mom Donna has to go through every single day dealing with one of the most severe forms of arthritis.
She couldn’t be more proud and gracious of her sons ride.
“Thank you,” Donna Zoerner says as Kenny wraps his arms around her.
They hope Kenny’s excursion will help make strides in educating people about rheumatoid arthritis and finding sufferers the support they need.