The walk she'll take is only three miles, but for Brandeis University student Rebecca Miller it's not about distance, but determination.
When she was 8 years old, Miller, now 20, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic auto-immune disease causing pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joints.
Living with the disease has been a challenge. Miller, who is from Rockville, Md., said she has been through physical therapy, "countless medications" and doctors' visits.
Miller said she kept up with gymnastics after she was diagnosed.
"I still competed with everyone else," she said. "Now I dance and sing. I've always been very determined to do everything anyway. It's not something I let hold me back. I'm also a (biology) major so I like learning the science behind (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)."
Miller said juvenile rheumatoid arthritis often limits her activities at Brandeis.
"For me the biggest thing is probably being tired all the time," she said. "It's mostly an issue of sitting in class for long periods of time."
Miller she has to take extra time getting to class.
"I have a full schedule and I have a million activities. Most people wouldn't know," she said.
On Sept. 21, Miller will lead a handful of Brandeis students on the 12th annual Boston Arthritis Walk, which begins at the Prudential Center at 9:30 a.m.
This is the third year Miller has taken part. Last year she helped raise almost $3,000 for arthritis research and this year she hopes to raise $5,000. So far 11 people have signed up for her team, "Fighting Arthri-DEIS." So far she has raised $1,541, according to the walk's Web site.
"I'm trying to make it bigger on campus this year," she said. "This year I'm trying to get the Brandeis Emergency Medical Corps and the Pre-Health Society involved."
Miller said she wants people to realize that anyone can develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
"I think it's important for other people to understand all kids can get it," she said. "Some people think you're so busy you must feel great and that's not true. It doesn't t mean I'm not hurting just because you can't see it. It's definitely still there."
For more information on the 12th annual Boston Arthritis Walk, visit http://bostonarthritiswalk.kintera.org.
Jeff Gilbride can be reached at 781-398-8005 or at jgilbrid@cnc.com
