Community Corner

Couple Doggone Determined to Raise Awareness

Arlene and David Weintraub, of Upper St. Clair, are organizing the Third Annual MGA Doggie Walk to raise awareness about a little-known disease.

Two and a half years ago on a Caribbean cruise, Arlene Weintraub's vision became blurred and she started seeing double.

She didn't know what was wrong, and for six months, neither did any of her doctors. The muscle weakness spread to her arms and legs.

"My quality of life was poor, sometimes I couldn't even get out of bed," said Arlene, of Upper St. Clair.

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Finally a doctor diagnosed her with the myasthenia gravis—a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder with no cause and no cure.

"I have MG, but it doesn't have me," she said.

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Arlene is determined to continue having a high quality of life with her diagnosis, which is why she and her husband, David, are working tireless hours to plan the Third Annual MGA's Doggie Walk.

"I want to make people aware that the disease exists," Arlene said.

The public and their dogs are invited to register for the Sunday, Oct. 23rd walk at South Park.

Arlene said dogs are included in the event because "the dog community is a very caring community" and "being around dogs is great therapy." She said her own dog, an 11-year-old golden retriever named Hollie, has greatly helped her since her symptoms first appeared.

And so has her husband.

"My husband is extremely supportive," Arlene said. "I am so lucky."

"Every day is different and I have to be on my best behavior because stress can trigger it (MG symptoms)," David said.

There are 100 people—and pets—signed up for the walk and the Weintraubs hope to have many more. They said all the money raised will go directly to Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania.

"As I see it, there are no obstacles, there is nothing that I can't do," Arlene said.

This year's event will have an official mascot—Achilles, a dog from Bethel Park who also has MG. Click through the photo slideshow above to see Achilles.

Click here for a link to the MGA Doggie Walk registration form. The cost is $25 per dog and human companion, and $10 per any additional dog. All participants will receive a t-shirt, a tote bag full of coupons and a doggie bandana.

Registration is at 9 a.m.

The MGA Doggie Walk will also have a doggie costume contest. A number of great prizes will be available, including a $175 Capital Grille gift card, Pittsburgh Steelers tickets, Pittsburgh Penguins tickets and a week in Myrtle Beach.

There are a number of local businesses sponsoring the MGA Doggie Walk. Some are Woody's Dog Wash & Pet Boutique; ; Dunkin' DonutsOolala French QuarterUnited DairyHighmark; Hickory Dickory Doc Animal Hospital, Inc.; Susan's Travel; ; Sweet Zoo Electric Boutique; ; Keller Williams-The Gold Team; Mimi's Boys; Joe Ruffalo's Design Image Salon; Furry Friends Pet Grooming; Dee's Doggie Boutique; and Robert Shogry, MD.

This story originally appeared on Upper St. Clair Patch.


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