When I think of how my granddaughter, Brooklynn, suffered for 10 years while doctors tried to get her juvenile arthritis pain under control, it leads to me think of the other kids that I know that have JA, and how today there are many medical advancements for the treatment for JA. For that reason, all I can say is “thank you!”

The advancements that have been made are creating a great difference in the quality of life for these young people. None of these advancements would have been possible without the support of people like you.

For the past 20 years I have donated to and/or fundraised for the Arthritis Foundation. More specifically, for the past five years I have fundraised and raised awareness by participating in an Arthritis Foundation bicycle-ride fundraiser, www.peoplescoastclassic.org/amber_brooke.

My participation is just part of what has made the medical advancements possible. It’s the people who have supported my efforts and participated in such events as garage sales, poker parties, domino parties, auctions and, of course, donations to me and my teams that have really made a difference in research and advancements.

There are also the people who have supported our efforts with kind thoughts, encouragement and by keeping us in your prayers through our trainings and as we rode down the Oregon coast. To each and every one of you, I say “thank you!”

After this September (2014), I do not foresee being able to participate in the Peoples Coast Classic for the next few years. This is a sad and yet a joyous time for me. Through the articles I have written and shared with others, articles printed in the local newspapers, awareness raised during training rides and of course through the funds raised to participate in the Peoples Coast Classic, it is a joy to know that from the youth camps to the medical research much has been accomplished locally and nationally for the treatment of JA.

Knowing that I have other upcoming obligations and may not have time to participate further in the near future I will definitely miss the dedicated staff, participants and sponsors of the Peoples Coast Classic. This event has been an important part of my activities and I am glad and honored to have been able to participate as fully as I have.

Once again, thank you! Not only for your support for me, but for your support for the all the people, especially the kids, who suffer from a form of arthritis or autoimmune disease.

Al Knopik

Buckley