Recruiting Walkers For Arthritis Walks

ROCKY HILL — The Southern New England Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation is calling for people to help take action against arthritis by participating in the 2003 Arthritis Walk. The nationwide team walking event will be held in two Connecticut locations: Riverfront Plaza in Hartford on May 3 and Penfield Pavilion I in Fairfield on May 4. The walks will help to kickoff National Arthritis Month.

Arthritis affects 70 million Americans –– one out of three adults and approximately 300,000 children. Arthritis is the nation’s number one cause of disability. In Connecticut alone, 800,000 people are affected by arthritis, chronic join pain, or one of the more than 125 arthritis-related diseases.

The Arthritis Walk is a noncompetitive, 5K (3.1-mile) walk, with a one-mile option. Participants can walk in honor of a loved one with arthritis, while men, women and children with arthritis will lead the way, wearing special blue honoree hats. Walkers are encouraged to join individually or as an Arthritis Walk team by recruiting five or more people.

All funds raised will go to help the Arthritis Foundation achieve its mission of improving lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Interested walkers can make a difference by registering online at www.arthritis.org or contacting their local chapter at 860-563-1177.