April 14, 2008
Belmont to Hold Seventh Annual Nashville Arthritis Walk
The Tennessee Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation will for the first time this year hold its annual Nashville Arthritis Walk on the Belmont University campus. The event, which supports public awareness and raises funds to fight the nation’s leading cause of disability, is May 4 at 2 p.m., rain or shine. Check in for the event begins at 1 p.m.
The Arthritis Walk is the nationwide signature event of the Arthritis Foundation. Currently held in 14 communities in Tennessee and 400 across the country, the Arthritis Walk is the fastest growing walk event in the nation. In Tennessee alone, 1.3 million adults suffer from arthritis and approximately 6,000 Tennessee children are affected. Arthritis is the third leading cause of work limitation in the nation and is a more frequent cause of activity limitation than heart disease, cancer or diabetes.
“Belmont is excited to welcome the Arthritis Walk to our campus,” said Dr. Jack Williams, Dean of the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences and Nursing. “We are glad our students will have the opportunity to learn from this notable health organization that does so much to educate and raise awareness of this widespread and debilitating disease.”
Len Smith, president/CEO for the Tennessee Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, said, “We are thrilled to be teaming with Belmont University for our 7th annual Nashville Arthritis Walk. They have been very supportive in all efforts surrounding the event and offer an outstanding campus as site for the Walk.”
With one-mile or three-mile options to choose from, the walk route will take participants around the grounds of the Belmont campus and in front of the historic Belmont Mansion. In addition to the walk itself, many activities are planned including live music, inflatable games and opportunities to learn more about the impact of arthritis. Teams are formed in groups of 10, and each participant is asked to raise $100. More than 2,000 walkers are anticipated. Since 2002, the Nashville Walk has raised over $970,000 to support critical Arthritis Foundation research and discoveries, public health initiatives and public policy efforts to improve the lives of those with arthritis.
To learn more about the Nashville Arthritis Walk or to register, contact Leigh Ann Portale at 615-254-6795 ext. 120 or visit www.nashvillearthritiswalk.kintera.org. Additionally, a kick-off event will be held on April 17 at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel beginning at 6 p.m. The event will feature information on arthritis, a presentation from an area rheumatologist and sign up opportunities for the Walk. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. The event is free to the public.
- For more stories from the Special Events Archive, click here.
- Office University Marketing and Communications
Greg Pillon: 615.460.6645
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
615.460.6000
About Belmont University
Named one of the top two “Schools to Watch” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Belmont University is a fast-growing community of more than 5,400 students who come from every state and 25 countries. Committed to being a leader among teaching universities, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christian community of learning and service. The university’s purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world’s needs. With more than 75 areas of study, 20 master’s programs and three doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
For more information visit www.belmont.edu
