2019 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

Roberta Kracht
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree


Roberta Garcia Kracht (now 67), led a very active life as a clinical social worker, seeing children and families for over 30 years. Her personal passion was speed walking and she loved the joy of training and participating in half marathons. She loved cooking and entertaining.

In 2010, at the age of 57, Roberta Kracht was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and lupus. A professional told her that she had to “reset” her life and start over. Although she experienced pain for many, many years, the diseases went undiagnosed, even though she was seeing a rheumatologist who just gave her injections of cortisone. She experienced many losses, her practice and more recently the ability to do marathons. The toll of her diseases ultimately has caused breathing issues however Roberta uses a walker or oxygen as needed. She is now re-trying Benlysta, as biologic.

After her first year of successful treatment with Benlysta, Roberta wanted to give back and became involved with the Lupus Foundation of Northern California by forming her 5K team: Roberta’s Hope for Lupus Research. She then became an advocate by joining the LFNC Board of Directors where she says, “the support of being with others who share your disease is so uplifting, an immediate bond.” Recently, Roberta has formed her team for the Inaugural Walk to Cure Arthritis Silicon Valley where she will excitedly bring awareness for the fellow Arthritis Warriors who she journeys with. “I have always wanted to do the Arthritis 5k but was unable to drive up to San Francisco and do the walk. Now, that is in Silicon Valley I will do the walk annually!” Awareness and research is key to finding a cure!

Join Roberta in her fight against arthritis, register or donate today!


Addison
Juvenile Arthritis
Youth Honoree

Addison is a 9-year-old, almost in 4th grade at a local Mountain View school. She was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was 3 years old. It was so painful for her. Addison limped every day and it was hard for her to do everyday things like running and playing with her friends. She was in remission for four years, but her arthritis came back this year. She must take 3 medications for this disease; it affects three of her joints. Addison is on a competitive swim team and working on her Junior black belt in Taekwondo. These activities have helped eased some of her pain. She is going to her very first JA camp, Camp Milagros in July, and is very excited.

Join Addison in her fight against arthritis, register or donate today!