The 20th annual Jingle Bell Run was held at Washington Park in Denver on Sunday, December 11, 2011. This event which benefits the Arthritis Foundation has become a holiday tradition. With over 130 events across the country and approximately 2,000 participants, this event raises over $6.5 million each year for the Arthritis Foundation. The Jingle Bell Run raises awareness of America’s leading cause of disability while allowing participants to have fun in the process. To celebrate the holiday season, participants tie jingle bells to their shoelaces, don festive holiday costumes and join friends and neighbors in support of the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases.
Each year, the Arthritis Foundation selects a person living with arthritis as the event honoree. This year’s honoree was Gracie Kindy a child diagnosed with Oligoarthritis and Uveitis a form of arthritis (inflammation of the eye) when she was 3 years old. Despite chronic treatments and constant monitoring, Gracie is able to participate in soccer, dance, swimming, gymnastics, and skiing among other activities. With the help of events and activities sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation, Gracie and her family have met other children and families going through the same things. “The prevalence of arthritis in our nation is surging, and we cannot ignore it. Events like the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis help bring the community together to raise awareness and funds that are critical to the advancement of research, health education and government advocacy,” said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation.
The area’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis held two events this year: Saturday, December 3, 2011 on the Oval Drive at the CSU Campus in Fort Collins AND Sunday December 11, 2011 in Washington Park in Denver. To get involved in future Arthritis Foundation events please visit the AR website at www.arthritis.org or call 303-756-8622 x230 for more information.
Deanna Valdez
Related posts:
