Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Talisa King of Buffalo never allowed a chronic illness to get in the way of her journey to help others. In 2011, she was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis.
"The biggest lesson that I learned, from the diagnosis, is to live everyday to the best of my ability, " she told WBEN's Susan Rose.
Rheumatoid arthritis is severe inflammation, swelling, pain, and chronic fatigue. It often presents differently for people.
"It can be different day to day and hour to hour," said King, who described
arthritis as an invisible illness. "Some days I can physically get up and walk on my own, other days I need assistance."
There are things she can control such as her diet, keeping up with medications and staying hydrated.
"When I was diagnosed there weren't any local resources. The closest resource was 6-to-8 hours away. That led me to reach out to the Arthritis Foundation. I vowed to be the change that I wanted to see. I knew that I didn't want anyone else to go through the days and nights that I was having. You need that extra level of support," she said.
Today, King serves as African American Connect Group Facilitator and she is Event Chair of Walk To Cure Arthritis Buffalo. This is Year 6 of her leadership.
Walk To Cure Arthritis is the signature fundraiser for the organization. It's set for Aug. 17 in Delaware Park. It's a 1.8 mile walk, which is one loop around the park.
"You can walk it, or you can cheer us on at the finish line. There are family teams and you can also participate virtually. There are lots of ways to support this."
West Herr Automotive Group has been a corporate sponsor for the event for the past several years.
"They have been absolutely amazing," said King. "Not only are they a sponsor, but they come as a team to both volunteer and walk. She added, "I couldn't be more grateful."
The first walk started with a goal of $5,000. This year, the goal is $20,000.
"To date, I've raised over $75,000 to fund research and help find a cure."
King said it's "amazing" to be recognized as Selfless Among Us. "It's kind of like therapy for me on days when I can't do all of the things that I would like to do. That's when I do some of my best work for the project. I'm always trying to turn a negative situation into something positive that will help others like me."
To donate or to participate in the Walk to Cure Arthritis, click HERE or you can reach Talisa King at (716)-495-7202.