Five-year-old Shaley Makalapua Yoshizu, this year’s Ambassador for the 2009 State of Hawaii Arthritis Walk, is the namesake for a hui that is raising money for the Arthritis Foundation at a benefit fundraiser Sunday, May 17, 6-9 p.m. at The O-Lounge.
Makalapua Yoshizu is one of approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 affected by pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions. She was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 2, and stopped walking. It took her more than a year to learn how to walk again. She now likes to read, write, draw, and dance hula like any other kid.
The Arthritis Walk, the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event , raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, which is the nation’s most common cause of disability.
The 2009 State of Hawaii Arthritis Walk will be held at the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park on Sunday, May 31. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal this year is to raise $200,000.
Shaley’s team, Team Makalapua, is hoping to raise at least $1,000. Team Makalapua is hosting a benefit fundraiser Sunday, May 17, 6-9 p.m. at The O-Lounge, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd.
Tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the door. For tickets, call 630-3462.
There will be entertainment by All Natro, a silent auction and raffle drawling including a round trip on Mokulele Airlines and gift certificates to Hart & Huntington, Barefoot League, Down to Earth, IHOP and more.
For more information on the Team Makalapua fundraiser, email Yelahs_9241@yahoo.com.
For more information on the State of Hawaii Arthritis Foundation walk, go to http://www.stateofhawaiiafwalk.com.