On September 16, the First Wilmington Arthritis Walk raised more than $38,000 for the Arthritis Foundation, a figure that far exceeds the fundraising goal of $20,000. Nearly 200 walkers turned out at Hugh MacRae Park to show their support for this cause. The Talk PR team joined together to raise more than $1,200 and showed our team spirit by donning our new pink t-shirts. And we had all the company top dogs in tow to lead the way.

It’s that easy to help find a cure.

WHAT IS A TEAM?
A team is any group of people joining together to walk to cure arthritis. You may sign up as many people as possible! Team members may include co-workers, friends, family, neighbors, clients – anyone you can think of who wants to participate! Our teams usually consist of at least 10 people.

HOW IS A TEAM FORMED?
Establish a team captain – someone who will recruit and lead the team. Leading the team involves:
*Setting a fund-raising goal for your team
*Supplying registration and donation forms to team members
*Determining your team name and if your team will have a theme
*Motivating and inspiring your team to success

WHY FORM A TEAM?
It’s fun and easy! Walking in the Arthritis Walk as a team is a great way for your group to support the Arthritis Foundation to make a difference in the lives of those living with arthritis. By becoming a team captain, you are becoming a leader in the fight against arthritis!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION?
*Teams promote teamwork, builds team spirit and a sense of camaraderie
*Team participation increases your visibility in the community and demonstrates that your group cares about people
*The Arthritis Walk joins people together in a unique and exciting way to support the Arthritis Foundation while participating in a healthy activity
*Offers opportunities for leadership within the organization
*Teaches good citizenship, develops leadership skills and enhances creativity in young children
*Builds employer/employee relationship by promoting common goals and teamwork
*Increases awareness of health benefits to employees
*Encourages more workplace participation
*Promotes employee satisfaction by reaching team and company goals.
*Increases morale by helping employees feel like they are supporting their community
*Raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability
*It’s FUN!

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To register your team online, go to arthritis. org. Click on Local Arthritis Walk, select North Carolina, select Wilmington, and then click on Register.

Carolina Arthritis Associates, in collaboration with the Carolinas Chapter of the National Arthritis Foundation, announced that the First Annual Wilmington Arthritis Walk will be held at Hugh MacRae Park on Saturday, September 16, 2006. The Arthritis Walk is a nationwide event to raise funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability. In addition to the traditional three-mile and one-mile walks, the First Annual Wilmington Arthritis Walk will feature a dog walk component as well.
“With the prevalence of arthritis surging, the need to prevent, control and cure this disease has never been greater,” said Carolina Arthritis Associates Rheumatologist Mark Harris, MD, Chair of the Arthritis Walk. “We’re very proud to be able to bring this event to Wilmington. By participating in the Arthritis Walk, corporations and individuals can help make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans who suffer from arthritis.”
Nationally, there are more than 400 local Arthritis Walks, each featuring a three-mile and one-mile course. Participants can walk for a friend or a family member with arthritis, while people with arthritis wear blue hats to signify they are walking to take control of their arthritis.
In 2005, more than 75,000 walkers participated and helped raise money to directly support critical arthritis research, health education and government advocacy efforts to help people take greater control of arthritis.
Arthritis or chronic joint symptoms are more widespread than imagined, affecting 66 million Americans, or one out of three adults and approximately 300,000 children. Locally, more than 11,000 individuals in Wilmington will suffer from some form of arthritis in their lifetime.
Carolina Arthritis is calling for the community to take action against this disease by participating in the First Annual Wilmington Arthritis Walk. Anyone interested in walking, or sponsoring a team, can go to the Arthritis Foundation website at www.arthritis.org and click on “Find a Walk Near You” to sign up.
Carolina Arthritis Associates has donated $5,000, making them the Gold Sponsor for the First Annual Wilmington Arthritis Walk. “We’ve set a fundraising goal of $20,000, and are hoping to recruit 20-25 teams to participate in the walk,” said Dr. Harris. “I’d like to invite anyone from the community to volunteer, either on a committee to help organize the event, or on the day of the walk itself. Volunteers are key to making this event a success.”
The honoree for the First Annual Wilmington Arthritis Walk is Michelle Gautier, a 30-year-old Wilmington resident who has suffered from Juvenile Arthritis since she was a small child. Ms. Gautier has been very active in raising awareness about this disease in our community. In March, she organized a concert at Thalian Hall to benefit the Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis program at Duke Children’s Hospital.
The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, not-for-profit 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 more information on arthritis, to volunteer or to form an Arthritis Walk team, visit www.arthritis.org.
Carolina Arthritis Associates, P.A., is the only rheumatology practice in Greater Wilmington. Founded in 1991, the practice is comprised of five board certified physicians. For more information, visit www.carolinaarthritis.com.