One-day event aims to raise $2 million to find cure for nation’s leading cause of disability

With the joint purpose to help people feel their best by conquering every day battles, Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation are leveraging their national partnership to host the fifth annual Healing Hands for Arthritis® (HHFA). The one-day national fundraising and awareness event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at over 1,000 Massage Envy locations across the country, including North Texas.

For every 1-hour massage or facial session, Massage Envy will donate $10 to the Arthritis Foundation to support new scientific discoveries, create a faster path to a cure and provide valuable resources to help people with arthritis live their best life. In addition, ten percent of Massage Envy retail sales from Murad, Performance Health (Biofreeze and Bon Vital) and Wyndmere will be donated that day. 

“Through our collaborative partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, we’ve been able to bring awareness to the therapeutic benefits of regular massage for those with arthritis,” said Debbie Gonzalez, chief brand officer at Massage Envy. “Since kicking off Healing Hands for Arthritis four years ago, we have raised more than $3 million for this important cause and we can’t thank our members, guests and franchisees enough for their continued support.”

Arthritis impacts more than 50 million Americans - that’s one in five people - including 300,000 children. It is the nation’s leading cause of disability, costing more than $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses and the loss of 172 million work days.

“The potential benefits of massages for those with arthritis, aligns with our goal to be the Champion of Yes – providing personalized help and support for people dealing with the daily challenges of arthritis,” said Ann Palmer, president and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation. “We’re excited to support Massage Envy during their Healing Hands for Arthritis event and greatly appreciate the contributions from Massage Envy and the support from their members and guests to fund the important scientific discoveries that create a path for new treatments and a cure.”

In 2014, Massage Envy raised more than $1 million for Healing Hands for Arthritis. The fundraising goal for 2015 is $2 million. To find the nearest location to make an appointment, give a cash donation or purchase retail, visit www.MassageEnvy.com/locations. 

Massage Envy is also a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation’s fundraising events Walk to Cure Arthritis® and Jingle Bell Run®. For those who are unable to attend the event, donations are also accepted all year long on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation at www.MassageEnvy.com/healing-hand-for-arthritis. Join the online conversation by using #HHFA.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchised locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and skincare services to members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,000 franchise locations in 49 states and 1.5 million members.  In addition, the average unit volume for a franchise location is $1.35 million. Through its national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Massage Envy has raised more than $3 million in four, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events. The company was recently ranked #1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes, #79 in Franchise Time's Top 200, #51 in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and #27 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com. 

About Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4.2 million readers.

Help find a cure for arthritis by participating in and fundraising for the 2015 Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas on Saturday, May 9 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, 1000 Ballpark Way. Event day registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and the Walk begins at 10 a.m. Walk to Cure Arthritis is the Foundation’s national signature fundraising event to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.

The Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas will feature local honorees who will share their inspirational stories about their battles with arthritis.

Meet our 2015 Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas Youth Honoree:

Emma was diagnosed at age 15 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and a degenerative disc disease in her lower back. Emma is currently 17-years-old and a junior at J.J. Pearce High School. Weekly treatments are no fun for a teenager, but Emma is responding well to her drug therapy, which allows her to maintain an active lifestyle. She can’t imagine anything better than supporting an organization whose mission it is to help find a cure for arthritis. Emma wants to help fund research for a cure for the 300,000 kids like her suffering from arthritis.

Meet our 2015 Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas Military Honoree:

Master Sergeant Bridget Sonsel serves with the 301^st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Ft. Worth.  She has been in the Air Force for 29 years and served in 13 countries. Her diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) four years ago was first associated with aging, but she later learned that it was attributed to her years in active duty. Arthritis affects many of our military heroes, like MSgt. Sonsel. Current research suggests that stresses placed on joints during military training activities, increased rates of injury, and increased weight of military packs have led active duty soldiers and veterans to have twice the rate of Osteoarthritis (OA) as civilians. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability and medial discharge in active service members under the age of 40. MSgt. Sonsel understands the everyday struggles that people with arthritis and fellow veterans face on a daily basis.

Arthritis is a crippling disease that costs the U.S. economy $156 billion dollars a year, and it is a more frequent cause of activity limitation than heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. The disease impacts more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children – or approximately 22 percent of the United States population. In Texas alone, there are 3.6 million adults and 25,000 children suffering from arthritis.

Funds raised through the Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas will support programs, research and advocacy initiatives to help people today while finding a cure for tomorrow.

The Walk to Cure Arthritis is nationally presented by Amgen, Massage Envy Spa and Aleve. Local sponsors of the North Texas Walk include: Local Presenting Sponsor, Pollock Paper, Parker University, Bristol-Myers Squibb and others. To learn more and register for the Walk to Cure Arthritis North Texas, visit www.walktocurearthritisnorthtx.org.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Since 1948, the Foundation has remained committed to leading groundbreaking research for better treatments and a cure; fighting for patients’ access to affordable and effective health care; and providing trusted information and resources to the more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children living with the disease. To learn more about the life-changing work of the Arthritis Foundation in Texas, visit www.arthritis.org/Texas or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Texas Business Leader Brings Extensive Experience to the Organization 

Today, the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region announced the recent addition of Chris Nieto, Regional Community Leadership Board Member, to its national board of directors.  The announcement was made by Margaret Jackson, Chairman of the Board of the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region.   The Arthritis Foundation South Central Region serves those living with arthritis, including 4 million Texans, 820,000 Oklahomans and 372,000 people in New Mexico.

Nieto became involved with the Arthritis Foundation following his daughter’s diagnosis with Juvenile Arthritis at the age of 9 months old. His family credits the Foundation with helping them with vital arthritis resources and connecting them to other families of children with arthritis.

Since joining the South Central Region Board of Directors in 2012, Chris has been an outspoken champion of people living with arthritis and has advocated on their behalf across the region and on Capitol Hill.

As president of Qobe Group, Nietohas provided professional and leadership training experiences throughout the United States for nearly 20 years. His passion is creating interactive and engaging environments for people to discover their natural talents, identify growth opportunities, and amplify their skills to have a greater impact in their personal and professional lives.

Nieto formed Qobe Group, a company that develops platforms to advance human capital within organizations, companies, and communities. His emphasis through Qobe has always been to identify opportunities for growth versus focusing only on problems or challenges. This ensures that training initiatives are designed to make learning and development meaningful.

Since 1996, Nieto has given thousands of presentations on leadership development with a focus on effective communication. A seasoned, professional speaker, Nieto actively engages the audience to create an optimal experience.

Coming from a family history of community involvement, beginning with his grandparents serving as Park Directors in Houston for 25 years and his father’s non-profit, The National Hispanic Institute (NHI), Nieto remains active in his community by serving on numerous community Advisory Councils, including the ACC Hays Campus Advisory Board. Nieto also serves as a National Board Member for the Juvenile Arthritis Alliance Leadership Group, and continues to volunteer with NHI.

“We are honored to welcome Chris as our new board member to the Arthritis Foundation,” said Jackson.  He has demonstrated unwavering support for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission, he will provide dynamic leadership for our organization.  Chris will also bring a fresh regional perspective to the national board, as well be a voice for children and families with Juvenile Arthritis.

The work of the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region supports the organization’s fight against arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.  Currently, 53 million Americans (one in five) are living with arthritis pain every minute of every day.  The Arthritis Foundation leads initiatives to support research to find a cure, provide public health/educational programs for those who have arthritis, and continue its advocacy efforts throughout the South Central Region and across the U.S. 

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Since 1948, the Foundation has remained committed to leading groundbreaking research for better treatments and a cure; fighting for patients’ access to affordable and effective health care; and providing trusted information and resources to the 53 million adults and 300,000 children living with the disease. To learn more about the life-changing and life-saving work of the Arthritis Foundation in Texas, visit www.arthritis.org/Texas or follow the Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

Parker University President Hosts VIP Reception

Members from the Dallas medical community, along with friends and supporters of the Arthritis Foundation, recently gathered at the  home of  Parker University President Dr. and Mrs. Brian McAulay for organization’s Salon Series titled “Breaking Science; Breaking Silence” on Dec. 10.  The VIP reception featured Patrick Bodnar, Director of Clinics, Parker University and Curt Hamilton, CCN, board certified in Clinical Nutrition, Naturopathy and Phytotherapy.     

The Salon Series drew a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to ensuring that children, young adults and families suffering daily arthritis pain are empowered to live better, more productive and fulfilled lives.  With the support of these dedicated local advocates, scientist move closer to finding a cure and arthritis sufferers are better able to take charge of their health and control their disease. 

The quarterly presentation also gave participants an opportunity to ask tough questions about innovative therapies in the fight against arthritis. Wednesday’s event was an engaging conversation regarding a 21-day procedure to help patients take steps toward a functional evaluation.  The presentation also addressed the importance of a thorough assessment for nutritional changes to decrease pain and inflammation, prevent damage, and help enhance joint function.      

Today, arthritis remains the leading cause of disability in the U.S., robbing one in five adults and 300,000 children of living life to its fullest because of oftentimes debilitating pain. This includes 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children across Texas who struggle every day with this serious health epidemic.   

During the reception, attendees also learned that the future is full of inspiring new strategies, programs and tools supported by the Arthritis Foundation to help stop this disease from crippling our nation even further. Salon Series presenters from the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region included: Susan Carter, Chief Executive Officer, and Shelley Tims, Director of Community Advancement.

Other special guests in attendance were: Dr. and Mrs. Fred Zucker, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Massey, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Garzillo; Nicki Gonzalez; Lynne Auerbach; Doug Sanford; and David Garafola, among many others.  

About Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability. Since 1948, the Foundation has remained committed to leading groundbreaking research for better treatments and a cure; fighting for patients' access to affordable and effective health care; and providing trusted information and resources to the more than 53 million adults and 300,000 children living with the disease. For more information visit: www.arthritis.org/texas/ or email stims@arthritis.org.    

2,000 Participants Come Together to Fight the Nation’s Leading Cause of Disability

North Texansraised nearly $150,000 to fight and cure arthritis by participating in the Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk at Burnett Park on Dec. 6. Participants and teams rallied together to show their support and be the voice of people living with the nation’s leading cause of disability. Funds raised through Jingle Bell Run/Walk events across the nation go toward Arthritis Foundation programs, research and advocacy initiatives to help prevent, control and find a cure for this crippling disease. Local supporters may still make donations online at www.fwjinglebellrun.org.

“This is the 23^rd year that Ft. Worth has held the Jingle Bell Run/Walk,” says Annie Carter, Community Development Manager, Arthritis Foundation. “We are excited to be a part of removing the burden of arthritis both locally and across the country.”

The Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk featured local honorees who shared their inspirational stories about their personal battles with arthritis. By speaking about their experiences living with the disease, Adult Honoree Sharon Stufflebeme, CIO, FTS International and Youth Honoree Harper Shook were able to put a face on arthritis and remind participants why this cause is so critical.

Media personality Scott Murray and WBAP Sports Director Steve Lamb served as emcees for the event. They welcomed Dr. Russell Wagner, representing local presenting sponsor UNT Health Bone & Joint Institute, and Ft. Worth Mayor Betsy Price who helped kick off the run at the start line.  Special appearances were also made by Santa, Mrs. Claus and Buddy The Elf.  

With more than 100 different forms of the disease, arthritis impacts more than 53 million adults and 300,000 children – or approximately 22 percent of the United States population. Here in Texas, the Arthritis Foundation works to improve the lives of the 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children across the state who struggle every day with this serious health epidemic.

Events like the Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk are critical to raising funds to find a cure for this debilitating disease. Fundraising for the event will remain open through late December atwww.fwjinglebellrun.org

About the Arthritis Foundation

Striking one in every five adults and 300,000 children, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org.com) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the impact of this serious, painful and unacceptable disease, which can severely damage joints and rob people of living life to its fullest. The Foundation funds life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients for more than six decades; fights for health care policies that improve the lives of the millions who live with arthritis; and partners with families to provide empowering programs and information.