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“Let’s Move Together” Walk Benefitting Arthritis Foundation at The Village Lake Las Vegas Oct. 1

The Arthritis Foundation invites the public to join them for the Nevada Arthritis Walk on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at The Village Lake Las Vegas. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual, nationwide signature event that raises funds and awareness to find a cure for the nation’s leading cause of disability. Participants walk as individuals or in teams in honor of a friend or family member with arthritis. People with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action in taking control of their condition. The event features a one-mile and three-mile course with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Participants are welcome to bring their dogs as well, as long as they are on a non-retractable leash.

Youth honoree is Savannah Dynabursky. “Savvy” as she is known, was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was one year old. She likes to play just like other children except she suffers pain and sometimes finds it hard to walk. She hopes that one day Nevada will have at least one Pediatric Rheumatologist to treat the state’s children.

Honorees Jennifer and Robert Hoag participate in the walk to honor the memory of their daughter, Makayla who was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at 21 months.

This year’s walk Medical Honoree is Dr. Roman Sibel from the Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Institute. He chose his specialization to help people regain their ability to lead active lives and supports the Arthritis Foundation because the organization helps people with arthritis to live better while supporting research to find a cure.

Also honored is, Rod Davis President & CEO of St. Rose Dominican Hospitals – Siena Campus and Senior Vice President of Operations, Nevada for Catholic Healthcare West. His organization’s partnership with the Arthritis Foundation provides patients with more tools to lead healthier lives.

The Arthritis Walk funds arthritis research, health education and government advocacy initiatives. By participating in a 2011 walk, walkers are supporting Let’s Move Together, a nationwide movement that encourages people to move to prevent or control arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 50 million Americans (one in five) living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. The prevalence of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms is surging, affecting half a million residents of Nevada, 2,300 of whom are children.

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The mission of the Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

The Arthritis Walk is the Arthritis Foundation’s nationwide team event that raises awareness and funds to find a cure.

Our rallying cry, Let’s Move Together is a nationwide movement that encourages people to move daily for better health to prevent or treat arthritis. Moving just 30 minutes per day can ease joint pain, improve mobility and reduce fatigue.

For more information about the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org.