The Arthritis Society is proud to host the
third annual Walk to Fight Arthritis

presented by the makers of TYLENOL®.

The walk is a fundraising event to raise awareness of and support people living with arthritis. The 1KM or 5 KM walk around False Creek takes place on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at Athletes Village Plaza in Vancouver.

Registration opens at 8:30am and the walk starts at 10:00am.

Money raised from the Walk will be invested in vital arthritis research
and programs for Canadians living with arthritis.

Regular physical activity, such as walking, can help manage and reduce pain for some types of arthritis:

  • Properly designed physical activity decreases arthritis pain, increases flexibility and overall fitness, and alleviates depression.
  • Physical activity reduces joint pain and fatigue, while improving mobility and overall fitness.
  • Stronger muscles and tissues resulting from exercise support and protect joints that have been weakened and damaged by arthritis.
  • Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). Overweight women have nearly four times the risk of developing knee OA, while, for overweight men, the risk is five times greater.
Share your story at WalkToFightArthritis.ca and the makers of TYLENOL® will donate $10 towards helping to find a cure.

Five things you should know about arthritis!

  • Arthritis is not an olds person’s disease! It can strike anyone at anytime, regardless of age, physical condition or ethnic background. Children as young as two-years old can get arthritis.
  • More than four million (one in six) Canadians aged 15 years and older report having arthritis.
  • Two-thirds of those affected with arthritis are women
  • There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis doesn’t just affect your joints; some types affect your heart, lungs, eyes, even your skin.
  • Arthritis costs the Canadian economy $6.4 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost work days.
The Arthritis Society is Canada’s principal health charity empowering the more than four million Canadians with arthritis to live their lives to the fullest through extensive programs and services. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has invested more than $170 million in arthritis research to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find a cure. For more information, visit www.arthritis.ca.

Inspired by their Sister

Don’t let anyone tell you that the youth of today don’t care about anything but their ipods and video games, because there is a group of young women making a real impact in the lives of people living with arthritis.

The Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority (AOII) at UBC is 52 members strong and every one of them is committed to helping people. Luckily for us, they’ve had a connection to The Arthritis Society since 1977. Last year, they got involved in our signature fundraising event, the Walk to Fight Arthritis and this year they plan to raise the bar to whole new level.

Philanthropy chair Vahnessa Espig explains their commitment to helping others, “We give back because we feel it is part of our responsibility as members of this community to help others.”

Their connection to arthritis is a little more personal. As it turns out, one of their sorority sisters has arthritis. Marina Deltcheva is the chapter resident and she explained their recent connection to the disease.

 “Our sister Elisabeth has a bad form of arthritis and it has given us a deeper insight into the disease and how it affects everyone, especially Elisabeth. Despite the overwhelming pain, she is persistent. She is an inspiration to the women in AOII and it motivates us to be the best versions of ourselves, while continuously striving to support others.”

Last year, not only did they raise $1000, they provided the majority of volunteer help on the day of the Walk. This year they have ramped things up considerably and plan to raise $8000, along with their volunteer commitment.

“We are so committed to this cause, not only for Elisabeth, but for every other person out there living with this horrible disease. We think it would be really great to look back one day and say that we helped find a cure for arthritis...and we truly believe that will happen.”

To start your own team or for more information on the Walk visit walktofightarthritis.ca

About The Arthritis Society

The Arthritis Society is the only not-for-profit organization in Canada uniquely devoted to promoting and funding arthritis research based solutions, education, as well as community support for over 4 million Canadians living with arthritis.

Founded in 1948, The Society has invested more than $175 million in arthritis research to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find a cure.

Amidst our world of information overload, The Society remains the most valued and trusted resource on arthritis for patients, their families and health professionals. For more information, visit www.arthritis.ca.

Visit walktofightarthritis.ca to:

Register    Support others
Raise funds    Share your story

Check out the Walk on: