Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik ( May 27/05 ) - Physiotherapist Kelly Prendergast has never run a marathon before, but this December she plans to complete the gruelling 42.2km distance in Hawaii, hoping to raise $5,200 for arthritis research.

Inuvik Regional Hospital physiotherapist Kelly Prendergast makes a house call in Holman, checking on Martha Notaina who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.

"I have two goals, one is to lead by example and be as active as I can be," said Prendergast.

"My second goal is to raise $5,200, one dollar for each resident in the NWT who lives with arthritis."

To add special significance to her quest, Prendergast is dedicating her marathon to Martha Notaina of Holman. Notaina, one of Prendergast's patients, suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, a form of the disease that attacks the joints.

"Although Martha faces many daily challenges, she's a really motivated working mom whose zest for life is inspirational," said Prendergast.

Despite undergoing multiple joint-replacement surgeries and recovering from a recently broken knee, Notaina was in good spirits when contacted Tuesday.

"I'm honoured and it feels good," she said of the marathon dedication. "Kelly has helped me and given me suggestions about (improving) my condition, she's a very smart young lady."

In addition to getting good advice and motivation from Prendergast, Notaina says her family has been supportive, as well.

"Once in a while I get down but I've got lots of family to cheer me up."

When asked if she would go to Hawaii to cheer on Prendergast, Notaina says she'd prefer to lend her support from the cooler climate of Holman.

"I'd rather not go anywhere hot," she said. "Even when I go to Yellowknife in the summer, it just gets too warm for me."

Anybody interested in helping Prendergast reach her goal can contact her at the Inuvik Regional Hospital.

More than four million Canadians are living with some form of arthritis and it is this country's most common chronic disease.

There are more than 100 forms of arthritis and, so far, no cure for the disease. For those living with arthritis, the best way to improve their quality of life is by leading an active lifestyle, since exercise can help reduce pain and prevent further joint damage.