TEAM UP TO FIGHT ARTHRITIS

17. Nov, 2010 0 Comments

21^st Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Waco, TX] – The Arthritis Foundation is calling for people to take action against arthritis by participating in the 21^st Annual Waco Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. The Jingle Bell Run is a nationwide event that kicks off during the holiday season, raising awareness of America’s leading cause of disability, while raising desperately needed funds for research, health education and government advocacy to improve the lives of people with arthritis. 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.

The Waco Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will take place Saturday, December 4th at 3:00pm at Heritage Square in Downtown Waco. This year’s event includes the 5k run and 1-mile walk, the 6/10 of a mile Snowman Shuffle for kids 12 and under, Candy Cane Lane which incorporates the team Sleigh Gate area, the costume contests, the Worst Christmas Sweater Contest, Cookie Decorating Contest, Inflatables, arts and crafts as well as a health fair area. Immediately following the Jingle Bell Run will be the Historic Waco Foundation Parade and the City of Waco Tree Lighting.

The 2010 Jingle Bell Run “Hero” is 3 year old Case Stelma. Case is a typical rambunctious three year old. There is nothing that he is afraid of and nothing he will not get into. When his parents noticed he had an odd walk they naturally assumed he hurt himself on the playground or playing with other kids at school. Concern started to grow when his odd walk became a limp. After a visit to his pediatrician, x-rays and labs Case was referred to Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Carrasco in Austin. After a thorough examination Dr. Carrasco found swelling not only in Case’s knees but in his ankles and feet. Dr. Carrasco diagnosed Inflammatory Polyarthropathy. Now Case and his family are on the path to fight this disease. Case’s parents are getting their strength from their strong and brave little boy. They know they have a long road ahead but are grateful for the support from God, family, friends and the Arthritis Foundation.

Arthritis or chronic joint symptoms are more widespread than imagined, affecting 46 million Americans, or one out of five adults and approximately 300,000 children. Here in Texas, arthritis affects more than 3.7 million people.

“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.