2nd Annual Chilton County (Alabama) Arthritis Walk: Saturday, Nov. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

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November Arthritis Walk on its way

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The Arthritis Foundation's second annual Chilton County Arthritis Walk is

scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at Chilton Medical Center.

Registration and activities will open at 8:30 a.m. The Arthritis Walk is the

Arthritis Foundation's annual nationwide event that raises awareness and

funds to fight arthritis, the nation's number one cause of disability.

This year's Chilton County Arthritis Walk will honor Dian Easterling as the

adult honoree and Whatley as the junior honoree. is 17 years old

and has been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. She has been

through some tough times dealing with her disease and would like to make

everyone aware that kids get arthritis too! Dian was diagnosed with

rheumatoid arthritis at age 41. Dian's personal struggle with arthritis has

raised her awareness of the number of people dealing with the illness. These

individual's lives have been greatly affected by their struggle with a form

of arthritis or rheumatic disease. Other members who will serve with Dian on

the Arthritis Walk steering committee are Bates, Cannon, Mike

, chair McKinney and Vickie Moseley.

This year's walk will also honor Spot, a Jack Terrier who has been

diagnosed with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation has partnered nationally

with Pfizer, who makes Rimadyl, an arthritis medication for dogs. Many

people do not realize that canine arthritis affects dogs of any age and

breed. Studies have shown one in five adult dogs have arthritis. So, bring

your dog to enjoy the fun at the walk. There will be fun activities and

treats for our furry friends.

Together, the Arthritis Foundation and the Arthritis Walk committee

encourage the community to participate in the Arthritis Walk. There will be

a kick-off meeting and luncheon today at 11:45 a.m. at the Alabama Power

Conference Center in Clanton.

The kickoff meeting is an opportunity to register to become a team captain.

Team captains recruit a team of five or more participants, distribute

registration and donation materials, and motivate their team before and

throughout the walk. Prizes will be given to teams with the most members and

to teams and individuals with the most donations.

Through the Arthritis Walk, the Chilton County community hopes to raise

awareness and funds that will one day help find a cure.

" By teaming up and participating in the Arthritis Walk, corporations and

individuals can make a difference in the lives of 70 million Americans who

suffer from over 120 types of arthritis and chronic joint symptoms, " said

Blair Newman, Development Director for the Arthritis Foundation Alabama

Chapter.

For more information about the Arthritis Walk or to reserve a space at the

meeting, please call Blair Newman at (800) 879-7896.

There are 1.7 million men, women and children in Alabama that have been

diagnosed with arthritis or a rheumatic disease.

" With the growing prevalence of arthritis and chronic joint symptoms, the

need to prevent, control and cure arthritis is crucial, " said Newman.

The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health

organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading

efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases - the

nation's number one cause of disability. For free arthritis information,

contact your Arthritis Foundation chapter toll free at 1-800-879-7896 or on

the Web at www.arthritis.org. Keyword: Alabama.