Leigha
JIA
Youth Honoree

Hi! My name is Leigha. I am an energetic, fun-loving, bright 3-year-old. I love to play outside, ride my tricycle, play with play-doh, dance and sing (especially Baby Shark and Daniel Tiger songs). My mom teaches me new things with the preschool play-based “schoolwork” we do each day. I love to laugh and spend time with my family. I was diagnosed with JIA in July 2018 when my ankle swelled up and I began to limp. It took many months and many doctors to finally figure out what was wrong. Luckily, it didn’t stop me from being a normal kid and I pushed through the pain for months. I went into medicated remission shortly after my diagnosis and hope to continue for a very long time.

Last year, our friends and family supported me with a lot of love, prayers, donations, and a huge team to walk/run with me for the Jingle Bell Run! I am so happy to be the youth honoree for the 2019 Run! We hope to have a lot of supporters again this year! The love I have received is immeasurable. Thank you all!

Cindy Vance
Adult Honoree

Mother of four, grandmother (Nana) of 12, Cindy Vance is a fighter! She is a cancer survivor and has been living with arthritis for almost 30 years.  While genetics could be to blame, a stressful life change may have triggered Cindy’s arthritis.  Arthritis first emerged in Cindy’s hands, hindering their functionality.  This moved her to eventually seek out the help of a rheumatologist, who prescribed her medication that helped manage the pain.  However, when the arthritis flared up, her mobility was limited.  At that time, Cindy, a single parent, had to rely heavily on her young children for help.

As time went on, arthritis spread throughout Cindy’s body, altering her quality of life.  Arthritis was the cause of a hand surgery, foot surgery, numerous doctor visits per year, and is a contributing factor to significant back pain.  Over the years, Cindy has met with several doctors and has tried various medications to help her cope with the discomfort and limitations caused by arthritis. 

Remission has come and gone, allowing Cindy to cope with her arthritis much of the time.  When “Arthur” is not bothering her, Cindy enjoys volunteering in her small, rural community.  She serves on the community library board, is an active member at her church, and continues to support the school district in which she taught for 36 years.  She loves traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.  Cindy tries to keep up with her 12 grandchildren, ranging in ages from 18 months to 17.  She also remains active with her Alpha Omicron Pi sorority sisters from college.  They have been a true support network for Cindy as she has navigated life with arthritis.  It is an honor and privilege to represent the Alpha Omicron Pi chapter and its philanthropy in this year’s Jingle Bell Run!

Tank
Animal Honoree

Tank is a 4 year old, 95 pound Bernese Mountain Dog, who resides with his loving family north of Toledo. His favorite activities are having his belly rubbed, being the center of the attention, and laying in the snow, which means he is over-the-moon excited to be part of the 2019 Toledo Jingle Bell Run. Tank is a people person...he is his family’s door greeter at home when friends arrive.  Tank makes sure he gets petted before anyone is allowed to move through the front door.  He prefers to lean on you as he is being petted rather than sitting up. It’s just easier on his back-hip joints. He likes to conserve his energy, especially if he decides to chase birds or rabbits in our yard, or sniff for any food crumbs his kids may have left within eyesight. Tank is an arthritis warrior, too, and he cannot wait for you to give him pets at the Toledo Jingle Bell Run on December 14^th.