The Walk to Cure Arthritis Murfreesboro

The Arthritis Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, has scheduled the first Murfreesboro Walk to Cure Arthritis here for Sunday, May 3rd from 1-3 PM.

Why? We need a cure! Did you know there is an epidemic of those who have arthritis in our country? 54+ million or 1 in 4 people, including 600,000 children, have one or more of these conditions and only about half of them have the kind most of you are familiar with-osteoarthritis, the wear and tear kind that your grandparent had. The other 100+ kinds of arthritis fall into the autoimmune category where the body is actually attacking itself. Diabetes 1, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, thyroid disease, psoriatic arthritis, scleroses, sjogren’s syndrome, they list goes on. These conditions do not just affect the joints but also attack the heart, lungs, kidneys and spleen as well. So yes, it’s serious. and it’s the #1 cause of disability in our country.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis will be on MTSU campus inside the Murphy Athletic Center. Free and plentiful parking in the parking lot next to the Murphy Center. A drop off area and handicap accessible entrance exists as well. The 1 mile walk will take place on a padded track. Walking is not necessary or one can walk only what can be done comfortably.

Do come to support the work of the Arthritis Foundation and have a fun time with your family and friends. Ask a neighbor or colleague to walk with you too.

The event is a family fun activity with a circus theme for all ages to enjoy. There will be music, happy clowns, carnival type games and prizes, face painting, free pizza, photos, clown skits and more.

Come meet our Honorees and hear a bit of their story: Linda Halbeck the Adult Honoree who has Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis, Aubrie McCue our Youth Honoree who deals with Juvenile Arthritis and “Finn” our Top Dog Honoree who has arthritis along with only 3 legs. Your ‘waggers’ are also welcome to walk with us on a leash of course.

Registration is free. Donations are need to fund:

• research for a cure
• summer camps for children with Juvenile Arthritis
• advanced training for new doctors in the rheumatology field as there is a shortage
• resources for those who have arthritis
• advocacy for all in state legislatures and on Capitol Hill

More information about the event or to learn what you can do to become a business sponsor of the event, go to htpps://events.arthritis.org/event/wtcamurfreesboro or by contacting Candice Henry at 949-346-2717 or [email protected]

Sign up for my walk team at: htpps://events.arthritis.org/team/LYCM or by calling Diana O’Daniel-Barfield at 615-881-4065 or [email protected]

Let’s pull together to support others in our town with these invisible conditions. We can make a difference together.