(Miami, Florida) – The Arthritis Foundation held their annual Miami-Dade Arthritis Walk at the Amelia Earhart Park in early November.  Hundreds gathered onsite to begin the customary walk that helps raise awareness to improve the lives of those suffering from arthritis or related diseases.  Monies raised at the event are placed in programs that facilitate information and preventive care to those individuals prone to develop the disease, and to other care programs that are developed to provide assistance to those who have already been diagnosed. 

Among the honorees was Henry “Turlte” Thomas, Community Honorary Chair.  Thomas is the head coach of the FIU baseball team which was able to reach the NCAA Regionals two years in a row.  Coach Thomas very proudly accepted his title to increase community involvement at the Arthritis Walk. 

Medical Honorary Chair, Jorge L.Orbay, M.D. is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hands and upper extremities.  Dr. Orbay has developed implant systems that have significantly improved the lives of his patients, and continues to make a remarkable difference through his Miami Hand and Upper Extremity Institute which provides specialized care, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation to arthritis patients. 

Kiyah Hall was the Child Honoree.  Hall was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of six.  Through the Arthritis Foundation, her family is optimistic that she will be able to lead a perfectly normal life.

Arthritis is the nation’s most common cause of disability with over 50 million men, women and children diagnosed.  The Arthritis Foundation organizes the nationwide Arthritis walk every year in an effort to continue raising awareness and be able to fund its fight against arthritis.

The walk featured live entertainment, refreshments, food stations, healthy activities, educational opportunities and a kid’s area for face painting, a petting zoo and pony rides. 

Members of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club (CGWC) showed their support alongside President, Mireya Kilmon, who for many years has been battling arthritis.  CGWC was a bronze sponsor along with Dunkin Donuts, Interval International, Miami Party Entertainment, SeaFreight and Preferred Care Partners.

Saul & Theresa Esman Foundation was the Platinum sponsor, followed by Silver sponsors Goya, The Hand Institute, Kendall Pain Relief Center and Leon Medical Centers.

FIU also made an appearance with its students, alumni, sports teams and, one we could not have done without, Roary. 

For more information about the Arthritis Foundation Walk, please visit http://www.miamiwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1022462  ■