LEWISBURG -- In many ways, Carly Cizewski, of Millville, is a typical 3-year old. She enjoys playing with friends and her My Little Ponies and has discovered the fascinating world of bugs and insects. Her world as a 3-year-old is expanding every day.

But Carly also faces a challenge not common to girls her age. At age 1 1/2, she was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) which means she has arthritis in five or more joints in her body.

"Our family was very scared when Carly was being tested and diagnosed," says Eileen, Carly's mother, who has since become very knowledgeable about the disease. "In Christmas 2004, out of nowhere, Carly completely lost her mobility. She went from a bouncy, energetic, non-stop, running toddler to only being able to move by rolling back and forth in just a few weeks."

Thanks to the doctors and nurses at Geisinger Medical Center, Carly and her family have taken control of her disease. After undergoing a regiment of tests and trials with medication, physical and occupational therapy, and the guidance of a nutritionist, she may soon be considered in remission.

"Arthritis is a chronic disease and Carly will live with JRA the rest of her life. We hope that in her lifetime, there is a cure for arthritis," says Eileen.

Carly and her family are developing a relationship with the Arthritis Foundation, which raises money to help children and adults with diseases like juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and many other rheumatic diseases. The Arthritis Foundation's Central Pennsylvania Chapter chose Carly as the honoree for the 2008 Greater Susquehanna Valley Arthritis Walk. The event will be held Saturday at the Saint Mary Street Park/LARA Park, Lewisburg.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation's signature event, taking place annually in communities nationwide.

The event features both a three-mile and a one-mile course and activities for the entire family. Dog owners are invited to bring their leashed dogs to walk with them at the event. Participants may walk in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. Those with arthritis will receive a blue hat to wear to signify their action in taking control of their condition.

"The Arthritis Walk is a community event in its truest sense," said 2008 Greater Susquehanna Valley Arthritis Walk chair Dr. Thomas Olenginski. "Teams of people from schools, churches, neighborhoods, civic groups and businesses come together to show support for those who battle this disease. But the walk is more than just an event--it creates a sense of community, and serves as a statement that our community is serious about finding a cure for arthritis."

One way the foundation benefits young patients like Carly is the opportunity to attend Camp JRA, a weeklong summer camp for children with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The "JRA" stands for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and the camp, held at Camp Victory in Millville, provides these children with activities that are adapted to their abilities. The Arthritis Foundation covers a portion of the camp fee for campers who meet financial qualifications.

"We look forward to Carly having the opportunity to attend Camp JRA and some of the other youth programs offered through the Arthritis Foundation," says Eileen.