Thousands Show Their Support for Canadians with Arthritis

Walk to Fight Arthritis has raised $8 million in six years

Walk to Fight Arthritis has raised $8 million to help fund The Arthritis Society's research, education and support programs

TORONTO, June 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Thousands of Canadians got moving on Sunday in over 25 communities across Canada for the 6th annual Walk to Fight Arthritis, raising funds to support the work of The Arthritis Society.

Arthritis affects people of every age, from every walk of life. One in six Canadians lives with the pain of arthritis today. Two thirds of people living with arthritis are of working age, and some 24,000 children and teens are affected.

"Pain-free mobility is something everyone deserves – it's essential to our quality of life," said Janet Yale, president and CEO of The Arthritis Society. "The Walk is about coming together to help our friends, neighbours and loved ones living with the chronic pain of arthritis to reclaim that freedom."

This year's walk raised $1.1 million, bringing the Walk's six-year total to $8 million raised in support of research, programs and services.

"We are on the cusp of meaningful advances in areas like osteoarthritis, pain management and personalized medicine," continued Yale, "with life-changing implications for millions of people with the disease. Today's incredible show of support from Canadians gets us closer to achieving a future free from the pain of arthritis, but there's more work still to be done."

Contributions are still being gratefully accepted at www.walktofightarthritis.ca to the end of June. Next year's Walk to Fight Arthritis will take place on Sunday June 5, 2016.

ABOUT THE ARTHRITIS SOCIETY

The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years. Dedicated to a vision of living well while creating a future without arthritis, The Society is Canada's principal health charity providing education, programs and support to the over 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has been the largest non-government funder of arthritis research in Canada, investing nearly $190 million in projects that have led to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with arthritis. The Arthritis Society is accredited under Imagine Canada's Standards Program. For more information about The Arthritis Society and to make a donation, visit www.arthritis.ca.

SOURCE Arthritis Society

Image with caption: "Six-year-old Jacob Emerson was among thousands of people who showed up in cities across Canada for yesterday's Walk to Fight Arthritis. Over six years, the event has raised $8 million in support of The Arthritis Society. (Photo: J.P. Moczulski) (CNW Group/Arthritis Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150608_C7321_PHOTO_EN_17744.jpg

For further information: Jeff Jurmain, tel: [phone] x3354, cell: 647.461.0743