RICHMOND, VA- On December 4th, get in the holiday spirit at the 20th Anniversary Richmond Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Be one of the thousands of runners and walkers who hit pavements, pathways, and parks this winter to fight the nation’s most common disability, arthritis. Join Arthritis Foundation as they honor Molly Brooks as their 2010 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Hero!

Molly is just like any other five year old girl. Her sweet smile and big blue eyes can make any person melt! Since birth Molly has had issues with muscle tone, which caused a delay in her development. Molly was 2 1/2 years old when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (or JIA). Molly's family has considered themselves blessed to have had such success in the treatment of Molly's disease.

Although the treatment has not cured the disease, Molly’s previous bi-weekly injection of Humira is the reason why she has not had a flare up in 2 years. They understand that not every family living with JRA/JIA is as fortunate and that is why they heavily support Arthritis Foundation’s efforts to fundraise in order to find a cure for Molly and the many children just like her. Like many children living with JRA, Molly has her good and bad days, but she is a tough little girl who has taught her family and friends plenty about patience, persistence and strength.

The prevalence of arthritis or chronic joint symptoms is surging and affecting approximately 50 million Americans. Roughly 1.5 million of those Americans are residents of the state of Virginia , with 7,200 being children under the age of 18. The Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run/Walk raises awareness to help, prevent, control, and cure arthritis and related diseases.

This event is a fun festive way to help others during the holiday season. This event raises awareness and funding that will ultimately develop arthritis treatment advances that can significantly impact the quality of life for children just like Molly Brooks.

The event will be held at the Stony Point Fashion Park . For more information on the 20th Anniversary Jingle Bell Run/Walk sponsored by Universal American, Walmart, Lite 98, Centocor, and Genetech log on here or contact Jamie Fisher at 804-665-9950.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 50 million Americans living with Arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.  Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has many service points, including those located in the Mid Atlantic Region:  Delaware , Maryland , District of Columbia , Virginia , North Carolina and South Carolina . 

The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. 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.