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Mamaroneck Woman Chosen As Platinum Ambassador By Arthritis Foundation

MAMARONECK, N.Y. – The Arthritis Foundation has selected Kerry Wong of Mamaroneck, to receive one of its highest honors.

Kerry Wong

Kerry Wong

Photo Credit: Contributed

Wong is one of three volunteers in the state to be recognized as a Platinum Ambassador, an award presented to volunteers who have advanced the Foundation’s mission to ensure access to care for the 50 million people living with arthritis. Wong will receive her award at the organization’s annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., on March 23.

“Kerry has been a true champion for families living with arthritis,” said Michele Greco, regional advocacy and programs director for the Arthritis Foundation. “She has helped us draw attention to the prevalence of arthritis among people of all ages and the importance of access to quality, affordable care.”

Wong began volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation in 2013. “I attended an advocacy workshop out of curiosity and I was instantly hooked,” she said. Wong has shared her story with legislators in their home district offices, in the state capital, and in Washington, D.C. She has also volunteered with the Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run.

“I advocate because it’s what I still can do when my body won’t allow me to do anything else,” she said. “Because we (patients with arthritis) are so many, yet so few receive the understanding, support or treatment that we need. Because it’s a crippling, disfiguring, excruciating disease, and I just can’t sit back and take it. Because I’m scared of what my future will be if nothing changes. Because it’s not ‘just arthritis’.”

Arthritis affects roughly one in five adults of all ages, including 300,000 children. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that can seriously affect joints, muscles, internal organs and eyes, and cause serious pain and disability. In New York, more than 3.6 million adults and 18,400 children are living with the disease.

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