(Photo courtesy Arthritis Foundation)
Congratulations to West Seattleite Judi Yazzolino, at center, who received the Arthritis Foundation‘s Inspirational Leadership Award during a benefit breakfast downtown on Thursday. She’s a board member for the group, as is Patrick Smith, photographed with her at left; at right is CEO Scott Weaver, who lauded Yazzolino’s work for the group, declaring, “Judi was instrumental in the creation of our Bone Bash and since its inception has served in a leadership role – during both good and challenging times. She is not shy about encouraging her friends, colleagues and contacts to step up their support.” That’s a skill that also serves her professionally, since she serves as development director of the West Seattle Food Bank. But her interest in working toward a cure for arthritis is also personal – the organization explains that she has been living with rheumatoid arthritis for 25 years: “Because I feel so fortunate, I am determined to do whatever I can to help find a cure for this awful disease.”