In the United States, nearly 60 million adults and 300,000 children battle Arthritis. 1.3 million Northeast Ohioans have arthritis – enough to fill Cleveland Browns Stadium more than 19 times. It is clear that disease has a huge impact on the Northeast Ohio community.

The Arthritis Foundation has maintained a strong presence in Northeast Ohio for years, boldly pursuing a cure for America’s number one cause of disability while championing the fight to conquer arthritis with life-changing science, resources, advocacy and community connections.

Each year, the Arthritis Foundation strives to fundraise 60 million dollars for the cause all across America. Locally, this is done through events like Silver Spoon Awards Party, Juvenile Arthritis Family Nights, major gift fundraising and sponsorships as well as through webinars and podcasts to raise awareness.

You may be familiar with one of the biggest fundraising efforts for the Arthritis Foundation, the Jingle Bell Run. The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run is the original festive race for charity, bringing people from all walks of life together to champion arthritis research and resources.

In Northeast Ohio, the run initially took place in The Flats in the 90s. Taking a brief hiatus, it was brought back in 2012 and has taken place at Legacy Village ever since. Each year, the Jingle Bell Run brings around 500 participants together to run or walk in support of this disease effecting more than four in every five Americans.

This year’s Jingle Bell Run will take place on December 3^rd, departing from the Legacy Village Main Street at 9am. Click here to sign up for this year’s race, we hope to see you there!

Fast Facts About Arthritis:

• Arthritis isn’t an “elderly disease.” Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65.
• About 1 million knee and hip replacements occur in the U.S. each year.
• Arthritis in children can cause eye inflammation and growth problems, including bones and joints growing unevenly.
• There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis.
• Some forms of arthritis are autoimmune with inflammatory conditions that can affect the joints, muscles, eyes, and internal organs.
• Arthritis limits physical activity more frequently than heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
• By 2040, the number of U.S. adults with doctor-diagnosed arthritis will reach 78.4 million.

*** Special thanks to Anne Reitzes, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Chapter, who provided this information.