Branford Teen Annie Samson Named Youth Ambassador of Southern CT Arthritis Walk

The Samson family never imagined that Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis would play a role in their lives, never mind make a significant impact on them, but that all changed when Annie, now 14 and an 8th-grader at Branford's St. Mary School, was diagnosed at age 5.

"At first, I thought this disease would just be a small thing, an inconvenience, that wouldn’t impact our lives; then I thought maybe it would be tough for a little bit, but would just eventually just go away," said Annie's mom, Mary Samson. "Wow was I wrong! When my husband Dave and I finally came out of our denial, we realized we should empower Annie instead."

Since then, the Samsons became involved with the Arthritis Foundation and traveled to Washington, DC to the Advocacy Summit in 2010. Along the way, they learned that the disease not only affected Annie, but their entire family, including her sister Cara.

"Siblings of children with chronic diseases don’t have it easy," said Mary.

But instead of crumbling, the family pulled together, becoming involved in the organization that helped support them through rough times. Now Annie and her loved ones – making up a team called 'Annie's Angels' – will be walking in the 2013 Southern CT Arthritis Walk on June 2.

Not only will Annie's team be walking for the third year, but Annie will play a special role for the event as she was 'Youth Ambassador of the 2013 Southern CT Arthritis Walk.'

"I am also grateful for Annie’s Angels Team members and for all those who have supported and continue to support the team in our efforts to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation," said Annie in her Youth Ambassador biography. "Living with arthritis hasn’t been easy. I know there will be obstacles in my future because of the disease.  I remain hopeful, however, that one day there will be a cure for this painful, disabling disease that affects 300,000 children in the United States. Please join me at this year’s So CT Arthritis Walk to help raise money for the Foundation, so a cure can become a reality."

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How You Can Help
Lenny’s Restaurant will be hosting a fundraiser for Annie’s Angels and the Arthritis Foundation on Wednesday, May 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. A portion of all food sales that evening will be donated to the Foundation. There will be live music, raffles and Annie and her family will be selling shell angel pins (just in time for Mother’s Day) to support their cause.

The 2013 Southern CT Arthritis Walk will be held on June 2. You can register to walk or donate. Annie's Angels has set a team fundraising goal of $7,500 with Annie Samson captaining the team.

The event, which will be held at East Haven High School, "features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs at participating events," according to the website.