PITTSBURGH,None — Dozens gathered at the "Keys to the Cure" event in Oakland Thursday to honor volunteers and donors of the Arthritis Foundation.
Beth Brown, development director of the Western Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation, noted, "This [event] was a way to recognize those who have taken the charge since 1948 for us."
World-renowned pianist Byron Janis was also on hand at the event. Janis has psoriatic arthritis that affects both his hands and wrists, but this does not stop him from playing piano. During the luncheon, he played two selections, one of which was an original composition. Byron, along with his wife, Maria, also spoke to attendees about how he coped with arthritis on his own and the difficulties of going public with his condition. "It's mind over matter," said Byron.
At the end of the event, the Pam Schanwalt Heart-in-Hand Pediatric Care Award was given to Carolyn Confer for her dedication to helping children with arthritis.
WPXI
