'Survivor' Winner Tina Wesson Seeks to Raise $250,000 to Help Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis 5/15/2002
From: Jennifer O'Neill, 212-593-6385 or Jessica Clachko, 212-593-6355, both of Ruder Finn MALVERN, Pa., May 15 -- Tina Wesson, winner of the reality-TV series "Survivor: The Australian Outback," is asking people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their families and loved-ones to help raise up to $250,000 to support ongoing research for RA and other autoimmune conditions. This fundraising effort is part of the ongoing Survive and Succeed campaign, a national educational program designed to empower RA patients with information about how to proactively manage their disease and stay active. Beginning in May -- Arthritis Awareness Month -- people can help raise money for research by visiting the Survive and Succeed Web site at http://www.surviveandsucceed.com or by calling the toll free national hotline at 1-800-707-8344. For each person registered, $1 will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to benefit ongoing research efforts up to $250,000. In addition, participants will receive a free Survive and Succeed welcome kit that includes a tote bag, program booklet and lapel pin to be worn in support of Americans battling RA. "I have been living with RA for more than seven years. Luckily, I was diagnosed early and began proper treatment right away, which has helped me to maintain an active lifestyle," said Tina Wesson, Survive and Succeed spokesperson. "My goal is to help people living with RA by supporting research efforts and through continued education. With the public's support, we are hoping to reach our ultimate goal of $250,000." "Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than two million Americans, the majority of whom are women often in the prime of life," said John Klippel, M.D., medical director of the Arthritis Foundation. "Through our research efforts, the Arthritis Foundation seeks to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis. With Tina's help, we hope to move closer to realizing these goals." About "Survive and Succeed" Survive and Succeed is a national disease awareness program sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation and Centocor, Inc. To support this effort, Wesson will be participating in a series of free local seminars around the country to encourage those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to proactively manage their disease and enjoy productive, fulfilling lives. The next seminar with Wesson is set to take place at the Boston Marriott Copley Place in Boston, Mass., on Thursday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET. For more information about the free reception, please call the Arthritis Foundation Massachusetts Chapter at 617-244-1800 ext. 119 or log on to http://www.surviveandsucceed.com. Details about upcoming seminars will be posted online in the coming weeks. About Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, painful and debilitating disease that can make performing simple daily activities -- such as walking up stairs -- difficult or impossible to do. The disease is characterized by joint inflammation usually beginning in the hands, wrists, knees and feet. The initial symptoms of RA include joint pain and fatigue. As the disease progresses, joints usually become more swollen, inflamed and stiff. When inflammation persists or does not respond to treatment, it can destroy nearby cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments, leading to permanent disability. About the Arthritis Foundation The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Arthritis Foundation efforts focus on increasing awareness, programs and services, education, advocacy and research. The Arthritis Foundation currently provides more than $25 million in grants to more than 300 researchers to help find prevention measures, better treatment and ultimately a cure. The Arthritis Foundation's sponsorship of research for more than 50 years has resulted in major treatment advances for most forms of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation works with a variety of organizations and companies in educational efforts to increase knowledge about arthritis and to help people take greater control of its impact. Collaborative educational efforts do not imply that the Arthritis Foundation endorses or recommends any particular product, medication or treatment. The foundation encourages a comprehensive treatment program tailored to individual needs through discussion with a physician. For more information about the foundation, arthritis and its more than 100 forms, access the Web site at http://www.arthritis.org. Learn about programs, services and the variety of information available to you through the Arthritis Foundation. About Centocor Centocor is a leading biopharmaceutical company that creates, acquires and markets cost-effective therapies that yield long-term benefits for patients and the healthcare community. Its products, developed primarily through monoclonal antibody technology, help physicians deliver innovative treatments to improve human health and restore patients' quality of life. Centocor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the worldwide manufacturer of healthcare products. |