Karla Perez

2009 DC Arthritis Walk Champion 

Karla Perez is an adventurous, active 24-years-old woman with vivid plans for the future. She loves playing field hockey and running long distances; someday, she hopes to run a marathon! But after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2006 her participation in some activities depends on how she feels on a particular day. Her life has changed significantly with arthritis impacting her social, emotional and behavioral functioning. After numerous doctor visits, various medications and complications she endured over the past two years, Karla learned how to take control of arthritis and how not to let the disease control her. As long as she sticks to her medical regimen including medications, daily exercise, and a healthy diet, arthritis will not stop the pursuit of her dreams.

Karla's parents, who are her biggest heroes, came to the United States from El Salvador when Karla was only five years old. Early on they taught Karla and her siblings, Lilian and Javier, to strive for their dreams and to not let anyone hold them back. Karla admires people who just like her are living with a chronic illness; she understands how hard it is for the 46 million adults and 300,000 children who live with arthritis in the United States to take control of their lives and to take the initiative to stay healthy despite their bodies fighting against them. 

Now with the help of the Arthritis Foundation she wants to help spread awareness about the most common cause of disability in the nation-arthritis. In fact, Karla's experience compelled her to actively advocate for raising awareness about this disease, leading her to new amazing opportunities for personal growth. She recently entered the 2009 Miss Virginia International Pageant to educate the public about arthritis and used her platform to promote the Arthritis Foundation's new Let's Move Together national movement. To her amazement, not only was she selected as First Runner Up, but was awarded the Community Service Award and People Choice Award! She also received a scholarship!

On top of the responsibilities associated with entering a pageant and working full-time Karla serves as Public Relations Chair for the DC Arthritis Walk committee and is an active volunteer. After initially learning about the Arthritis Foundation through her sister, Karla was so excited that she gathered a group of friends and immediately signed up for the 2008 Arthritis Walk: "It was a great experience because I felt I was not alone and that there was a Foundation that had the tools and support that me and millions of others needed."

As the 2009 DC Arthritis Walk Champion, it is her turn to provide the support and inspiration to others. Of course, she will lead her team again in the DC Arthritis Walk which will be held on the National Mall on Saturday, May 30, 2009. For more information about this event or Karla's team, please visit www.letsmovetogetherdc.kintera.org or call 202-537-6800, ext. 3016.