Advocate Mikayla Minnig Builds Global Awareness of 300,000 Children With Juvenile Arthritis

Downey Teen's Story Inspires Millions as She Rides the Kaiser Permanente Float in the 2012 Rose Parade on January 2

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thirteen-year-old Mikayla Minnig is on a mission.  Her quest to raise awareness of juvenile arthritis will catapult to a new, global level as she rides the 2012 Kaiser Permanente Rose Parade float on January 2. 

Mikayla has suffered from a form of juvenile arthritis since the age of 3.  Her arthritis immobilizes her with severe pain throughout her body and stiffens her neck.  Despite living with chronic pain, Mikayla tirelessly advocates on behalf of children with juvenile arthritis, a condition that affects more children nationally than juvenile diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy combined.  She testified before Congress at the age of 9, and has traveled to Washington, D.C. six times to speak with legislators on Capitol Hill.  Not surprisingly, Mikayla's career goal is to effect national change by becoming a congresswoman.  At home in Downey, California, this poised and outgoing teen serves as Student Council president of her school, captains the cheerleading squad, and is a Junior Miss Southern California princess.    

For the past eight years, Mikayla's Arthritis Walk team, "These Boots are Made for Walking," has raised awareness and thousands of dollars towards a cure for arthritis.  Her team epitomizes the spirit and theme of Kaiser Permanente's float and public awareness campaign, "Every Body Walk!" by encouraging people to get up and moving for better health and disease prevention. 

About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 50 million Americans–including 300,000 children–living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. More information is available by visiting www.arthritis.org or contacting the local Arthritis Foundation office at 1.800.954.CURE (2873).

SOURCE Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region