Northford's Cindy DeLillo Named Southern Connecticut Arthritis Ambassador

Things weren't always easy for Cindy DeLillo.

While growing up, the North Branford resident often complained of odd injuries and she felt tired all the time, and would break her bones easily, according to a narrative she posted online. Doctors thought she was looking for attention, which only made her feel worse, but the pain persisted, according to the narrative.

After years of feeling different than everybody else, she finally found out what was wrong at age 16: she had Ankylosing Spondylitis, a rare form of arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. She has been fighting the disease ever since, and now wants to help others along the way.

"I was embarrassed of my disease and did not want anyone to know what was wrong with me because I thought arthritis was just for old people," DeLillo wrote. "But I was very wrong and I am now part of the Arthritis Foundation to educate others that kids get arthritis too."

DeLillo, who just graduated from Roger Williams University, is now living those words as she has been named one of Southern Connecticut's arthritis ambassadors for the 2013 Southern Connecticut Arthritis Walk. The walk, which is on Sunday, hopes to raise money and awareness for the disease.

To read DeLillo's full story (it is quite inspirational), click here. To sign up for the walk or to see how to help, click here.