3,000 people raise $270,000 in Walk to Cure Arthritis
(Arthritis Foundation Press Release, May 15, 2015)
3,000 people participated in the 2015 Detroit Walk to Cure Arthritis, presented locally by Beaumont, on May 9 at the Detroit Zoo. Nearly $270,000 was raised to support Arthritis Foundation programs, services and research that help people who have arthritis. 2.3 million adults and 10,300 children in Michigan have arthritis – 31 percent of the population.
Arthritis causes slow and painful deterioration of the body’s bones, ligaments, cartilage and tendons. The cause is unknown and there is no cure. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States.
Proceeds from the Walk to Cure Arthritis will be used by the Arthritis Foundation to fund research for better treatments and a cure, and programs and services that will help people better understand arthritis and improve their quality-of-life.
This year’s Walk to Cure Arthritis honored two Metro-Detroiters who have arthritis.
Emily Maiorana is a 15-year-old high school student from Troy. When she was 9-years-old, she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
“I realize that, like the other 50 million Americans and 300,000 kids who have arthritis, I will be battling this disease for the rest of my life, or until there’s a cure,” said Emily.
Bonnie Quinn was 37-years-old and a single mother of 3 kids when her doctor diagnosed her with rheumatoid arthritis and advised, “Get married and quit your job. You’ll probably be in a wheelchair by the time you’re 45.” Now a 73-year-old grandmother, Bonnie has refused to let arthritis rob her of life’s pleasures and, although years of arthritis have ravaged her body, she has never been confined to a wheelchair.
Michelle Glazier is a Vice President of the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region.
“I’m always amazed by the people who attend our walks and support the Foundation,” said Michelle. “They are very loyal and caring people who simply want to make a difference and help others, like Bonnie and Emily, who are affected by arthritis.”
Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation at http://www.arthritis.org.