7/18/2012 - West Side Leader
     

Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation

GREATER AKRON — On July 23, the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation (SSF) will join with Sjögren’s groups around the world to celebrate World Sjögren’s Day and Dr. Henrik Sjögren’s 113th birthday. To commemorate Sjögren, who first identified this disease in 1933, the SSF is asking everyone to help spread information about the disease. Sjögren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) is a systemic disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands. The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, but fatigue, muscle and joint pain also are prominent symptoms. Serious manifestations can occur, such as life-threatening lung involvement, central nervous system complications and disorders of cognitive functioning. Nine out of 10 patients are women, with an average age of onset in the late 40s, but it can occur in all age groups. Sjögren’s is the second most prevalent autoimmune disorder, striking as many as 4 million Americans, with an estimated 3 million cases currently undiagnosed, according to SSF officials. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications. Diagnosis is often difficult and has been found to take an average of more than five years from the onset of symptoms. This January, the SSF launched a five-year breakthrough goal to shorten the time to diagnose Sjögren’s by 50 percent in five years. For more details, contact the SSF office at 800-475-6473 or visit www.sjogrens.org.

Hattie Larlham

GREATER AKRON — The Greater Akron Motorcycle Club Foundation, in cooperation with King’s Kids and the Righteous Riders, will present a leader run for the 19th annual Motorcycle Ride to Benefit the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities July 29. The ride will start at the Greater Akron Motorcycle Club, 1540 Smith Road in West Akron, and continue to Carlton Harley-Davidson, 11771 state Route 44 in Mantua. From there, riders will follow the parade route to the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities, 9772 Diagonal Road in Mantua. Registration for the ride will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is a minimum donation of $10 to participate. The first 300 registrants will receive a run patch commemorating the event. After the ride at the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities, riders can enjoy food, entertainment and 50/50 raffles. Last year’s motorcycle run included nearly 300 riders and raised $5,800, according to event officials. For details, contact Rosanne Drake, annual fund director at Hattie Larlham, at 330-274-2272, ext. 3878, or visit www.hattielarlham.org.

Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group

MERRIMAN VALLEY — The Cleveland Area Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Support Group will hold its Sixth Annual Walk & Roll for a Cure and Awareness of Pulmonary Hypertension to raise awareness and funds for research about this disease Aug. 4 starting at 11 a.m. at the Wadsworth Shelter in Sand Run Metro Park, 1400 Sand Run Parkway. Symptoms of PH may include: shortness of breath with minimal exertion, chest pain, unusual fatigue, a dry cough, edema (water retention), heart palpitations, fainting and dizzy spells. Walkers and rollers may participate for a 6-minute walk or longer. Assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs and scooters are welcome. Participants also may choose to have someone walk for them. A picnic, games, door prizes, a band and a PH specialist will be part of the event. Also, goody bags with T-shirts, hats and other surprises will be offered. Registration is $25 for an individual or $40 per family of up to five people. Registration can be done online at www.firstgiv ing.com/PHAsso ciation/Wal kandRoll. Secure donations also can be made online at www.firstgiving.com/fund raiser/event/WalkandRoll. To register by mail, send a note, including T-shirt size, with a check made payable to Pulmonary Hypertension Association/CAPHS to Merle Reeseman, 330 College Ave., Grove City, PA 16127. For any questions, call Zahi Kakish at 330-329-6163 or Merle Reeseman at 724-458-5573.

The Friends of Akron Children’s Hospital

NORTHFIELD — The 51st annual Harness Race Rally is set to take place Aug. 10 at Northfield Park, 10705 Northfield Road, with a Sponsor Party scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and the start of the races at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Akron Children’s Hospital’s Regional Infant Hearing Program (RIHP). The RIHP provides family-centered intervention for children up to 3 years old with identified hearing loss. The Friends of Akron Children’s Hospital has raised more than $3 million since its inception in 1962, with proceeds from the Race Rally in previous years going toward the hospital’s ophthalmology, palliative care and burn unit, among others, according to organization officials. As part of the event, the Friends of Akron Children’s Hospital is selling raffle tickets. Tickets are $1 each or $5 for six. Prizes will include a 2012 Chrysler 200 from Brunswick Auto Mart, a pearl/diamond ring donated by Medina Gem Co., a diamond pendant donated by Sterling Jewelers Inc., a helicopter ride for two on Air Bear®, an overnight package donated by Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls; a TV donated by Akron Rubber Development Laboratory and an Apple iPad 2 donated by A. Schulman Inc. For more information or to purchase raffle tickets, call the Akron Children’s Hospital Foundation at 330-543-8340.

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