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 23rd 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.