Hi All,

I was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease which is an auto immune disease for which there is no cure. My diagnosis came about 30 years ago and as there were no serious symptoms at the time I just had to keep warm - wear a hat in the cold weather and warm gloves and socks.  It seemed as the years went by things seem to worsen particularly in the winter.  As my rheumatologist kept telling me there was no cure for this condition.

My overall health continued to be okay except for osteoarthritis and the usual aging problems.  In 2003, the big toe on my left foot began to turn black and to make a long story short after much testing I was diagnosed with scleroderma which is one of the elements which make up the CREST syndrome.  Raynauds is also an element of the CREST syndrome.  To make this a shorter report I lost my left leg below the knee in April of 2004 and then my right leg in March of 2006 due to a combination of both of these diseasesl  My life has changed dramatically in the last five years in every way.  It took me almost one year to learn how to walk again with prostheses.  After many months of therapy and adjustments at this stage of my life the sun is shining again for me.  I am able to drive with hand controls and have a new bicycle which is a recumbent model with a great seat and just work my legs to get moving!!  Life is good!

The walk will be in Germantown on Oct. 4. There is a one mile and a five mile.  If you are able please join us for the walk.  Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page.  If you would like to donate towards finding a cause for these two medical conditions it would be greatly appreciated.  Any little bit will help!

Thanks

Mary Tobin