Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk Blog

2008 Arthritis Walk Video

Arthritis Foundation Announces Top 10 Arthritis Advances of 2007

ATLANTA, Jan. 23, 2008 - A team of engineers have recently created a new framework upon which cartilage tissue can be grown. The novel scaffold is porous, so the fabric can be seeded with cells and transplanted into a joint damaged by arthritis. The woven "fabric" will be absorbed by the body, leaving only healthy, strong cartilage for those who suffer from osteoarthritis or other cartilage injuries. This is just one of the top 10 most significant arthritis advances of 2007, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

The Arthritis Foundation's annual Top 10 Arthritis Advances also includes a survey released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) quantifying the high cost of arthritis, in which arthritis-attributable work limitation affects one in three working-age adults (aged 18-64 years) with doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Another important advance this past year was the first ever quantification of the number of children with juvenile arthritis and documentation of the severe shortage of pediatric rheumatologists to provide diagnosis and care for children with juvenile arthritis in the United States. Moreover, several approaches were identified to increase access to subspecialty care by pediatric rheumatologists, which include enhancing the availability and financing of fellowship training to increase the number of trainees in the field and also improving the financial viability of pediatric rheumatology practices in academic settings.

"As the prevalence of arthritis continues to soar in the United States, advances made in 2007 provide the groundwork for improving the lives of the 46 millions people who live with arthritis now and the 40% more projected to be affected by 2030," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. "With arthritis being the most common cause of disability, advances in research and the development of more effective and safer treatments will continue to contribute in helping to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis."

The Arthritis Foundation's Top 10 Arthritis Events of 2007 include:

• Passage of FDA Legislation on Drug Regulation and Safety
• Quantification of Work Limitation and Earnings Losses
• Projections of Increases in Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation
• Identification of RA Susceptibility Genes STAT4 and TRAF1-C5
• Uncovering the Importance of Cadherin-11
• Development of a Woven Mesh for Cartilage Engineering
• Approval of Lyrica for Treatment of Fibromyalgia
• Availability of NIH's Osteoarthritis Data and Images
• Quantification of Children with Arthritis and Number of Doctors Needed
• Evidence of Benefit and Safety of Biologic Therapy in Children

Summaries of each of the top arthritis advances, as well as what they mean for arthritis patients are available at http://www.arthritis.org/top-10-2007.php

To develop its fifth annual list of the Top 10 Arthritis Advances, the Arthritis Foundation sought input from clinicians with expertise in various forms of arthritis, scientists from a wide variety of research disciplines, and organizations with an interest in arthritis and related diseases.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or http://www.arthritis.org.

Comcast Newsmakers Interview with Roger Carr on the Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk

Roger Carr, Chair of the Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk, discusses on Comcast Newsmakers the impact of arthritis and how to get involved in the Arthritis Walk in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Go to http://www.Arthritis.org to learn more about the Arthritis Foundation and the Arthritis Walk.

Arthritis Walk Regional Volunteer Training

You are invited to attend the volunteer training to learn more about the ways to plan and improve your local Arthritis Walk. Whether you are currently a walk volunteer or would like to find out more about volunteer opportunities, you won't want to miss out on this exciting training!

Date	Saturday, September 29th
Time	10:00am- 2:00pm
Location	The Arthritis Foundation 3805 Cutshaw Ave, Ste 200 Richmond, VA  23230

Lunch will be provided (please let us know if you have any dietary needs)

RSVP Sarah Wilson by September 23rd at 804-359-1700 ext 310 or swilson@arthritis.org,

Bring a friend!

Note: Announcement from the Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter website

Osteoarthritis Town Hall Forum In Fredericksburg Virginia

A town hall event is scheduled to take place in Fredericksburg, Virginia this fall.

Town hall events are designed to allow the public to ask questions on important issues. They have become especially popular for learning more about politicians before an election.

Don't expect to meet presidential candidates at this town hall event in Fredericksburg. What you should expect is an opportunity to talk to experts on an important issue that impacts millions of people. Local physicians will be discussing and answering questions on the topics of osteoarthritis, pain, and best ways to speak with doctors regarding pain management.

Don't miss this opportunity to meet with your local Arthritis Foundation chapter, physicians and OA patients to learn and share.

When: September 25, 2007 at 6:30pm
Where: Mary Washington Hospital, Auditoriums 2&3 Lower level

Register today by calling Linda Leslie at (800) 456-4687 x301.

Dog and People Friendly Walk Planned for the Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk

There are some new things planned for the 2008 Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk. One new addition is we are making it dog-friendly.

That's right, we took a poll and the dogs told us they felt left out In past years.  They wanted us to know that dogs get arthritis too and they wanted to participate as well.

We will be working out the details for the walk over the next several months. if you're interested in helping out on the planning team, just send an e-mail to Sarah or me (Roger) letting us know. We would love to have you involved.

Start taking your dog out for a daily stroll. You can't start preparing too early. Imagine the great shape he or she will be in when it is time to participate in the 2008 Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk in May. It might even do us dog owners some good!

Arthritis Awareness License Plates in Virginia?

There are many ways to help raise arthritis awareness.

One of the ways is to participate in Arthritis Foundation events such as the annual Arthritis Walk.

Another way is to wear clothing that displays logos or words that show you are doing something about the impact arthritis has on people's lives. I have been asked questions several times about arthritis when I have worn my Arthritis Walk shirts.

The Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter is currently looking into another possibility. How would you like to display a special Arthritis Awareness license plate on your car?  They need at least 350 people to pre-register for the plate to make it a reality.

Are you interested in proudly displaying a license plate on your car that increases arthritis awareness wherever you drive? The Arthritis Foundation, Virginia Chapter needs to determine if there is sufficient interest. If enough supporters are interested, they will proceed with designing and formally applying for the plate.

To express your interest, email Erica with your name, email address and phone number and she will add you to the list of supporters who want such a plate.

Don't wait. Send your email now and help in the fight against arthritis!

Celebrate the Success of the 2007 Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk

Thank you for participating in the 4th Annual Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk at Mary Washington Hospital! Your participation makes the event what it is, a community event where people come together to help fight the many forms of arthritis and to ultimately find a cure!

With the funds you raised, along with the many corporate sponsors, this event has raised $45,000 and had over 325 participants, not to mention the wonderful volunteers who came out on the day of the walk. What a fun day and a successful event!

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CELEBRATE WITH US!

Please join us to celebrate the success of the Walk on Thursday, June 21st at Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Cafe' from 6:30 to 7:30PM.  We will announce which teams won awards as well as the top overall fundraiser and present plaques to our sponsors. Dinner will be served!

Carlos O'Kelly's is located at 2306 Plank Road in Fredericksburg
Please R.S.V.P. to Sarah Smith at 800-456-4687 ext.311 or ssmith@arthritis.org

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Update

Survey: Please take a moment to fill out our Walk Survey on the Fredericksburg Walk website, www.arthritiswalkfredericksburg.kintera.org . We really value your input and ideas, and are constantly looking to improve.  Take a couple moments, and we promise to evaluate the responses. The link to the survey is on the left hand column of the home page.  You may send the survey back via U.S.Mail, Fax (804-359-4900) or email to ssmith@arthritis.org .

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?

Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader? is a television show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy that pits adults and kids against each other to determine who is the smartest. In the real world, outside of television, the same thing is happening.

Andrew is a 5th grade boy who joined our Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk committee this year. He prepared and gave an inspirational speech at our first committee meeting. He recruited a team of enthusiastic kids who planned and built what I believe was the best display at the walk and who also raised a significant amount of money for the Arthritis Foundation.

Andrew's enthusiasm was contagious. He even became a feature in our local newspaper. You can read the Free Lance-Star article at http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/042007/04182007/274251.

Andrew has found his passion. He is taking action on that passion to make the world a better place for others. There are many adults who could learn from Andrew's example.

The Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk was a tremendous success this year. Andrew's actions contributed to that success.

Are you smarter than a 5th grader?

Check out the 2007 Fredericksburg Arthritis Walk Slide Show