The Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis will bring the Warsaw and Winona Lake communities together on Dec. 14 to raise funds to fight and cure arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.

This annual holiday-themed event will be held at Winona Lake Senior Center. The Arthritis Foundation expects over 150 participants to take part in the Jingle Bell Run/Walk this year.

Voted as one of the nation’s “Most Incredible Themed Races” in 2012, the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is an important way to make a difference in the fight to end arthritis, a serious disease that affects 50 million Americans, roughly one out of five adults. Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not an “old person’s” disease. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that affect people of all ages. In fact, two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children. In Indiana, arthritis affects more than 1.3 million people.

“When people think of arthritis, they automatically think minor aches and pains, which is far from the truth. Various forms of arthritis can seriously affect joints, muscles, internal organs and eyes. It claims the lives of nearly 10,000 people each year. This is why the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis is so important for this community to raise funds and fight to put an end to this serious disease,” said Meagan Fulmer, chief development officer of the Arthritis Foundation.

This year’s honoree’s are Hallie Hedman and Alissa Bullock of Warsaw.

Hallie Hedman

Hallie was just 3 years old when she was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She received her diagnosis at Riley’s Children Hospital after enduring rounds of X-rays and blood work. Although she has remained active, there are days when stretching her legs is extremely painful.

Despite the challenges of JRA, Hallie plays on a premier league travel soccer team, and will play in a national tournament this December in Florida.

Wise beyond her years and so courageous, Hallie Hedman is the 2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Youth Honoree.

Alissa Bullock

Alissa was also just 3 years old when she was diagnosed with JRA. It was Dr. Bowyer at Riley Children’s Hospital who delivered the news to Alissa and her family.

Since that time, Alissa has faced many challenges, but she said, “I have not let arthritis run my life. It may limit the things that I do, but I do not let it stop me from doing the things that I desire.”

This Indiana University student has remained active and says, “One of my favorite hobbies is to run, and I enjoy running around the beautiful Indiana University campus.” There are days that Alissa has to forego any high impact activities due to achy, stiff joints, but she stays on the move.

As the nation’s largest holiday race series, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis offers a 5K timed fun run and a 1 mile walk with other activities for the entire family.

The Arthritis Foundation is thrilled to have someone with Alissa’s courage and strength helping us in this fight. Alissa is the 2013 Jingle Bell Run/Walk Honoree.

To learn more about the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis or to register your team today, visit www.arthritis.org/jbr.