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Fairfield Residents Help Raise $25K In Jingle Bell Run To Fight Arthritis

WESTPORT, Conn. -- About 200 participants raised more than $25,000 to fight and cure arthritis by joining in the Westport Jingle Bell Run/Walk on Dec. 5.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Participants

Jingle Bell Run/Walk Participants

Photo Credit: Contributed photo
Participants in the 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Westport

Participants in the 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Westport

Photo Credit: Contributed photo
Participants in the 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Westport

Participants in the 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk in Westport

Photo Credit: Contributed photo
The 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk

The 2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Photo Credit: Contributed photo
2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk participants

2015 Jingle Bell Run/Walk participants

Photo Credit: Contributed photo

Participants and teams rallied together in festive costumes to make spirits bright and be the voice of people living with the nation’s leading cause of disability. Participants came from Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Trumbull and Westport to name a few. 

Funds raised through Jingle Bell Run/Walk events across the nation go toward Arthritis Foundation education, research and advocacy initiatives to help prevent, control and find a cure for this crippling disease.

“This was our inaugural Jingle Bell Run/Walk,” said Brooke Greenwood, development manager. “I would like to personally thank all of the champions who came out and raised money to help remove the burden of arthritis both locally and across the country and our local sponsors Hospital for Special Surgery and All Waste.”

The event featured local youth honoree Lila Vivi Fagel, who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) two years ago. Fagel shared her inspirational story of her personal battles with arthritis. By speaking about her experiences and challenges, she was able to put a face on arthritis and remind participants why this cause is so vital.

Her team, Team Lila Vivi, raised more than $3,100. Here in Connecticut, arthritis affects nearly 700,000 adults and 3,400 children. With more than 100 different forms of the disease, arthritis impacts more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children – or approximately 22 percent of the U.S. population.

Events like Jingle Bell Run/Walk are crucial to raising funds to cure this debilitating disease. To learn more about arthritis and what you can do to help, visit www.arthritis.org.

The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is nationally sponsored by AbbVie, Massage Envy and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

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.

Its 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.

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