Funds raised is a step closer to finding a cure for the leading cause of disability
Over 800 walkers will be on hand at the 2016 Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI, to help support the Arthritis Foundation and its mission to cure arthritis and make it easier for people living with the disease to achieve everyday victories. On-site registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony starts at 9:40 a.m. with the walk immediately following. As the Arthritis Foundation’s signature, national fundraising event, the Walk to Cure Arthritis brings together communities to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability, and is a great way to experience the power of giving back to the community.
Supporters have the opportunity to walk a 1 or 3 mile route. Registration is free. With a $25 donation, participants can enjoy free admission to the zoo for the day. Walkers raising $100 or more will receive an official Walk t-shirt. The event also features arthritis information, refreshments and activities for the entire family.
Register online at www.WalkToCureArthritis.org/GrandRapids or contact Sue Arend at sarend@arthritis.org or 616-954-7649.
Local honorees will share their inspiring stories of living with arthritis during the Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis.
- Youth Honoree Collin Scarpino, 17-years-old, Grand Rapids, MI – ankylosing spondylitis
- Adult Honoree Holly Hubbard, 39-years-old, Jenison, MI – rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis
- Medical Honoree Kory Johnson, DO, Orthopedic Specialist, Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan
More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in the U.S. live with arthritis. Costing the U.S. economy $156 billion dollars a year, arthritis affects one in five Americans and causes more activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes. The Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis will help those living with arthritis by supporting community programs, advocacy initiatives, as well as fund crucial research aimed at finding a cure for the disease.
“Arthritis is more than just a few minor aches and pains. It’s a debilitating disease that robs people of their dreams,” says Michelle Glazier, executive director of the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan. “When you support Walk to Cure Arthritis, you become a Champion of Yes, helping us build a lifetime of better while accelerating the search for a cure. Whether you are close to the disease or simply looking for an inspiring charity event that truly makes a difference, Walk to Cure Arthritis is a great way to experience the power of standing together in the fight against arthritis. Together, we can Walk to Cure Arthritis and help us reach our goal of raising $90,700 to help find a cure for this disease.”
