Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Arthritis Foundation’s Phoenix Walk to Cure Arthritis Raises Funds for a Cure

More than 3,500 walkers are supporting the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to cure arthritis and help people with arthritis live a full life by participating in the 2017 Walk to Cure Arthritis on May 6, 2017 at the Phoenix Zoo. Walk to Cure Arthritis brings together communities nationwide to fight arthritis – the nation’s leading cause of disability – which impacts 1,222,000 adults and 6,000 children in Arizona.

In Phoenix, to help bring this event to its fullest potential, we brought together local leaders to help excite the community and fundraise, including:

• Gwen Aron, Walk to Cure Arthritis youth honoree,
• Chris Griffin, Walk to Cure Arthritis corporate chair,  Unique Landscapes
• Joy Schechtman, DO, Walk to Cure Arthritis medical honoree
• Paulette Guinn, Walk to Cure Arthritis adult honoree
• Unique Landscapes and The Orthopedic Clinic Association, Walk to Cure Arthritis Phoenix gold sponsors

“Arthritis is more than just a few minor aches and pains. It’s a debilitating disease that robs people of their dreams,” says Chris Griffin. “When you support Walk to Cure Arthritis, you become a Champion of Yes, helping us build a lifetime of better, while accelerating the search for a cure. Whether you are close to the disease or simply looking for an inspiring charity event that truly makes a difference, Walk to Cure Arthritis provides people the opportunity to experience the power of standing together and giving back to the community. Together, Arizona can Walk to Cure Arthritis and help us reach our goal of raising $275,000 to help find a cure for this disease.”

At the age of six, Gwen Aron needed to be carried at the end of every soccer game. The pain in her knees and ankles made her unable to walk off the field. A few months later, Gwen was diagnosed with spondyloarthritis, a type of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.  Gwen and her family have been actively involved with the Arthritis Foundation since her diagnosis, which helps her connect to a critical support community.

Dr. Joy Schechtman is board certified in rheumatology and a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatologists.  She has been in private practice since 1985 and in the Valley area since 1987.  Dr Schechtman and her care team rally around her patients, delivering compassionate and integrative care for the body, mind and spirit.  Dr. Joy Schechtman is actively involved with the Arthritis Foundation to raise funds for a cure to arthritis.

Paulette Guinn was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 20 by her family doctor.  She has had two hip replacements and went back to school at the age of 45 to obtain her counseling psychology degree.  Paulette works as a clinical supervisor at the Guidance Clinic that serves the severely mentally ill.  

In the U.S., more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children live with arthritis. Costing the U.S. economy $156 billion dollars a year, arthritis affects one in five Americans and causes more activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

Nationally sponsored by Amgen, locals can register for the Phoenix Walk to Cure Arthritis and learn more about the event by visitingwww.walktocurearthritis.org/Arizona or contacting Laura Rolfe at 602.212.9903.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers per issue.