Registration Open for Dec. 6 Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis

Named one of the nation’s “Most Incredible Themed Races,” Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Compuware World Headquarters, 1 Campus Martius, Detroit.. More than 3,000 participants are expected.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis raises funds to fight and cure arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Participants dress in holiday-themed costumes and tie jingle bells to their shoes creating a fun and festive atmosphere. This family-friendly event includes a competitively timed 5K or 10K run, 5K walk, 1K kids’ Snowman Shuffle, prizes for best costume and top fundraisers, and medals for the best run times in 13 age categories. Participants will also enjoy a post-race party sponsored by Hard Rock Cafe and New Belgium Brewery. Entry fees are $30 for the 5K run/walk, $35 for the 10K run and $12 for the Snowman Shuffle. All proceeds support the Arthritis Foundation’s programs, services and research.

Register by going to www.Arthritis.org/Michigan or calling (855) 529-2728. Arthritis is a serious disease that causes slow and painful deterioration of the body’s joints. Often mischaracterized as an “old person’s” disease, arthritis affects more than 50 million Americans, including 300,000 kids. In Michigan, more than 2.3 million adults and 10,300 children have arthritis – that’s 31 percent of the population!

Emi Werschky of Canton was diagnosed at 2-years-old with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and is the 2014 Detroit Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Honoree. After three years of treatment, she thought her arthritis was under control. Emi felt what it was like to live pain-free. But it didn’t last. Her arthritis came back and treatments resumed.

“I can’t wait until I am just Emi. Not a kid with arthritis,” said Emi.

“Physically, Emi is hurting, but emotionally, she’s hurting just as much. She struggles and asks, ‘Why me?” said Lisa Werschky, Emi’s mom. “Please help us find a cure. Join Emi and her team, Emi’s Army of Elves, and let’s jingle our way to a cure!”

The Arthritis Foundation (www.Arthritis.org/Michigan) is the largest and most trusted non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Since 1948, the Foundation has remained committed to leading groundbreaking research for better treatments and a cure; fighting for patients’ access to affordable and effective health care; and providing trusted information and resources to the more than 50 million adults and 300,000 kids who have arthritis.

» Click here for a video about arthritis.

____

Photo of Emi Werschky submitted.