The Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will bring the North Texas community together on Saturday, Dec. 6 to raise funds to fight and cure arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. The annual holiday-themed event will be held at Burnett Park, 501 W. 7^th in downtown Ft. Worth.  Activities begin at 2:00 p.m. with a festival, including contests for best costume, best dressed dog and activities for the entire family.  The 1 Mile Reindeer Run starts at 4:30 p.m., with the 5K starting at 5:00 p.m.  To register or for event details, visit: www.fwjinglebellrun.org.

Voted as one of the nation’s “Most Incredible Themed Races,” the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is an important fundraising event to help fight and end arthritis, which affects 53 million Americans, or roughly one in five adults. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not an “old person’s” disease. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that affect people of all ages. In fact, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children.

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.

“When people think of arthritis, they automatically think minor aches and pains, which is far from the truth. Various forms of arthritis can seriously affect joints, muscles, internal organs, eyes, and also claims the lives of nearly 10,000 people each year. This is why the Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is so important for this community to raise funds and fight to put an end to this serious disease,” said Annie Carter, Community Development Manager, Arthritis Foundation.

As the nation’s largest holiday race series, the Arthritis Foundation’s Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk will offer participants a fun-filled day of festivities for runners, walkers, families and dog-lovers alike.  Highlights will include timed and untimed registration, a certified 5K course, free food and beverage samples, musical entertainment provided by local favorite, Just in Tyme, face painting by Cowtown Clowns and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

To learn more about the Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis or to register your team today, visit www.fwjinglebellrun.org.

There are also several volunteer opportunities at the Ft. Worth Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis.  Volunteers may sign up to help at:

 Packet Pick-Up:   https://www.volunteersignup.org/9ETME; OR

The Day of the Event:     https://www.volunteersignup.org/P383B

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 work of the Arthritis Foundation in Texas, visit www.arthritis.org/Texas or follow the Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

UNT Health Bone and Joint Institute Joins This Favorite Fort Worth Holiday Event for 3^rd Consecutive Year

Today, the Arthritis Foundation South Central Region announced that the UNT Health Bone and Joint Institute has returned as the key underwriter and  presenting sponsor for this year’s 23^rd Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis.  Russell A. Wagner, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon practicing at the UNT Health Bone and Joint Institute, will serve as the 2014 Medical Hero for this community-wide holiday event.      

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at Burnett Park, 501 W. 7^th in downtown Ft. Worth.  The event raises awareness and funds to impact the fight against arthritis, which strikes 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. That also includes 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children across Texas who struggle every day with this serious health epidemic. Advance registration is available online at www.fwjinglebellrun.org.

The UNT Health Bone and Joint Institute, located in the Ben Hogan Center at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, is a complete musculoskeletal care center.  Dr. Wagner says the institute was “created to bring a full spectrum of bone and joint care together in one location that is conducive to improving the patient experience.”

 “The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis has become a much-anticipated tradition in the Fort Worth community,” said Annie Carter, Arthritis Foundation Community Development Manager.  “We’re delighted that  UNT Health Bone and Joint Institute agreed to join us again this year because the organization is not only a great community partner, it  also closely monitors the latest in management and treatment of arthritic conditions. ”  

The “Greatist” website (http://greatist.com/fitness/21-most-incredible-themed-races) ranked the Jingle Bell Run among the top 21 most incredible themed events in the nation, calling it the best race to “get into the holiday spirit.”  Activities begin at 2 p.m. with a festival, including contests for best costume, best dressed dog, and activities for the entire family.  The 1 Mile Reindeer Run starts at 4:30 p.m., with the 5K starting at 5 p.m.

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 (http://www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of this serious and painful 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.

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On Sept.  17, $10 From Every Massage or Facial Benefits the Arthritis Foundation and its Constituents in the North Texas Community  

Massage Envy Spa and the Arthritis Foundation have joined forces to host the fourth annual Healing Hands for Arthritis, a one-day national event to build awareness and raise funds to fight arthritis. On Wednesday, September 17 Massage Envy Spa locations in the North Texas area will donate $10 from every one-hour massage or facial to the Arthritis Foundation. Since 2011, this one-day nationwide event, has raised over $2M for the Arthritis Foundation.

 "There's no better way to give back than to treat yourself, a friend or family member to a relaxing and rejuvenating massage or facial," said Jordan Levine, Director of Field Operations, Massage Envy Spa Dallas/Ft. Worth. "We strongly encourage the North Texas community to come out on September 17 to help fight arthritis, a disease that affects 50 million Americansincluding 3.9 million adults and 25,000 children across our state who struggle every day with this serious healthepidemic.” 

To make an appointment for the Healing Hands for Arthritis event, contact your local Dallas/Ft. Worth area Massage Envy Spa by visiting http://www.massageenvy.com/.  Reservations are now being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. All proceeds donated during Healing Hands for Arthritis will support the Arthritis Foundation's nationwide efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis. Murad®, Massage Envy Spa's exclusive skin care partner, will donate 10 percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa locations during the event to the Arthritis Foundation. Additionally, Wyndmere and BioFreeze will donate 10 percent of all sales from their products from Massage Envy Spa locations.

"We are proud to partner with Massage Envy Spa once again to bring attention to arthritis. Healing Hands for Arthritis will provide critically-needed funds for  education, research, advocacy and vital programs and services for those living with arthritis," said Susan Carter, Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Foundation South Central Region.  “Massage Envy Spa and the Arthritis Foundation share a common understanding about the devastating effects of arthritis on the body and the potential for massage therapy to relieve and control certain symptoms. Massage therapy can play an important role in alleviating the pain and swelling caused by arthritis, improving flexibility and circulation and reducing stress and anxiety.”

In addition to hosting Healing Hands for Arthritis, Massage Envy Spa is a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's signature event, Walk to Cure Arthritis®. Massage Envy Spa owners from across the country have been and continue to have a presence at their local Walk to Cure Arthritis events to share information about the benefits of massage therapy, provide chair massages and support the Arthritis Foundation's mission.

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 50 million adults and 300,000 children living with the disease. 

About Massage Envy Spa
Massage Envy Spa, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchised locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy Spa has over 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 Spa has raised more than $2 million in three, 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, #88 in Franchise Time's Top 200, #54 in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and #24 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy Spa is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.