Co-Chairs, Location Chosen for 2006 Atlanta Arthritis Walk
Atlanta — The Arthritis Foundation, Georgia Chapter has announced the Co-Chairs of the 2006 Atlanta Arthritis Walk.
Beth Kernan, Senior Vice President and Director for Wealth and Trust Services at First Horizon Bank, and Diann Jenkins, CEO of Community Life Concepts, an innovative nonprofit social services organization, will co-chair the 2006 Arthritis Walk. Bill Donges, CEO of Lane Company, will be the Corporate Chair.
The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. The 2006 Atlanta Arthritis Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 in Atlantic Station®. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. A post-event celebration will follow.
“When they think about it, most people will realize that they know one or more people with arthritis,” Kernan said. “We want people to participate in the Arthritis Walk to honor those whose daily lives are impacted by this chronic condition.”
“One of this year’s goals is to reach out to groups and neighborhoods who may not have previously participated, but could benefit from the Arthritis Foundation’s information and research,” added Jenkins. “Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect 66 million people – that’s one in three adults and 300,000 children. In Georgia alone, almost two million children and adults are living with arthritis or one of its related diseases.”
“The cost to the workforce is just tremendous,” Donges added. “Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the workplace, and costs the U.S. economy more than $86 billion each year. Locally, over $2.5 billion is spent each year. That’s one reason it’s so important for Atlanta’s businesses to commit to sponsoring and participating in this event.”
The goal for this year’s walk is to recruit at least 200 teams, and raise at least $200,000. Participants will have the option of choosing between a three mile (5K) or a one mile course. Entire families participate, and many bring their pets.
The national presenting sponsor for the Arthritis Walk is Aleve®, marketed by Bayer Consumer Care. Other national sponsors include Nature Made® TripleFlex™, Pfizer Animal Health Rimadyl and Arthritis Today magazine.
Local sponsors for the Atlanta Arthritis Walk are now being sought, and will be announced soon.
For information about participating in the Arthritis Walk, or making a donation, visit www.2006arthritiswalkatlanta.kintera.org.
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Contact:
Terri Thornton
404-932-4347
territhornton@mindspring.com
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ATLANTA TWINS TO BE 2006 Atlanta Arthritis Walk HONOREES
Atlanta — Thirteen-year-old twins Jasmine and Jamela Davis have been chosen as the honorees of the 2006 Arthritis Walk in Atlanta.
“A lot of people don't know that kids have arthritis,” says their mother Marvella Davis. “I didn't know till I found out my kids had arthritis. It was a rough road,” she adds.
Jasmine was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was only six years old. Jamela was diagnosed two years later.
“It really hurts and it's hard sometimes to act like normal people,” Jasmine says. “When it's cold, there’s a lot of pain,” adds Jamela.
The girls are enrolled in 7th grade at Peachtree Charter Middle School, but can only attend class for a half-day. Though they like to shop, their mom says they need wheelchairs if the trip takes more than five minutes. That’s one reason hundreds of people are expected to turn out for the 2006 Atlanta Arthritis Walk on Saturday, May 6 in Atlantic Station. This year’s goal is to recruit at least 200 teams, and raise at least $200,000.
The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event that takes place in communities nationwide to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. The walk helps raise funds to support research, programs and services to people who live with arthritis.
“Almost everyone knows someone with arthritis, and we want people to participate in the Arthritis Walk to honor those, whose daily lives are impacted by this chronic condition,” says 2006 Arthritis Walk co-chair Beth Kernan, Senior Vice President and Director for Wealth and Trust Services at First Horizon Bank.
“In Georgia alone, almost two million adults and children like Jasmine and Jamela are living with arthritis or one of its related diseases, including many who don’t know help is available,” adds co-chair Diann Jenkins, CEO of Community Life Concepts, a nonprofit group.
Registration for the May 6 event starts at 8:00 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. Participants can choose a 5K or a one-mile course.
The national presenting sponsor for the Arthritis Walk is Aleve®, marketed by Bayer Consumer Care. Other national sponsors include Nature Made® TripleFlex™, Pfizer Animal Health Rimadyl and Arthritis Today magazine.
For information about participating in the Arthritis Walk, or making a donation, visit www.2006arthritiswalkatlanta.kintera.org. Teams recruited by Community Life Concepts may register at http://2006arthritiswalkatlantaCLC.kintera.org.
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