Yearly fund-raiser for arthritis research returns Saturday

Thursday, December 09, 2004

The sounds of jingle bells ringing on Saturday morning will signal something different than the arrival of Santa Claus.

The jingle will be the sounds of people participating in the Arthritis Foundations 2004 Jingle Bell Run and Walk for Arthritis, which will be Saturday at Kereiakes Park. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by the run/walk at 9:30 a.m. Entry fee is $25. Participants get a long-sleeve T-shirt and jingle bells to wear on their shoes during the race. There will be a free, light breakfast and refreshments and an awards ceremony following the race.

So far, there are about 100 participants preregistered for the event, Jingle Bell Run chairwoman Melanie Moch said. Last years Jingle Bell Run raised $9,000 and organizers hope to raise more this year.

It is said that the louder the jingle bells ring, the more awareness were bringing to the community, Moch said. Were hoping to be bigger this year.

Molly Young, director of the Ohio River Valley chapter of the Arthritis Foundation which includes Bowling Green agreed.

The 5K Run/Walk creates awareness and raises funds for research for people living with arthritis, she said.

The third annual Jingle Bell Run will feature several activities, including the Candy Cane Trot for Tots, which will begin at 9 a.m. and is for children ages 3-8. Children will follow Western Kentucky University mascot Big Red through a candy cane obstacle course, and all kids participating will receive a special certificate and treat after the noncompetitive event.

Other activities will include a childrens tent with arts and crafts, face painting, Pin the Tail on the Reindeer and pictures with Santa; a performance by Christmas carolers and a handbell choir; and a silent auction featuring baskets with items including Grand Ole Opry tickets, gift certificates to various local restaurants, massages, skin care and an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn University Plaza .

All the money we raise goes directly to the Arthritis Foundation and is brought back to the community to be used for research and education, Moch said.

Arthritis affects Kentuckians in a major way, Young said. Kentucky is second in the nation for adults living with arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in the country. One in three adults are living with arthritis in the United States. There are 9,000 children living with arthritis in Kentucky, and more than 37,000 people in Warren County with the condition.

People assume its an old persons disease and that it only hurts a little. We have people who wish they ached only a little. Weve seen people as young as 6 months old, she said. Arthritis has many faces. Anyone can get it at any age. Its an underestimated disease. We want to open peoples eyes to the seriousness of it.  Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700