(NAPSA)—Today, there are 43 million reasons to walk. By 2020, there will be 60 million reasons to walk—in a nationwide team event to fight arthritis. Arthritis is already the nation’s number one cause of disability, affecting people of all ages, genders and races. As arthritis surges to epidemic proportions, the Arthritis Foundation is fighting back with the Arthritis Walk™, a new nationwide team walk event to raise awareness and funds. The event kicks off National Arthritis Month in nearly 50 cities across the U.S. in May 2002. “With 60 million Americansfacing arthritis by the year 2020, now is the time to take action,” said Tino Mantella, president/CEO, Arthritis Foundation. “Not only is walking beneficial in the preven- tion and control of arthritis, money raised from the Arthritis Walk will fund promising research that is critical to finding new therapies, treatments and a cure for arthritis.” By teaming up and joining the Arthritis Foundation, corporations andindividuals can make difference in the lives of Americans who suffer from arthritis, including 8- year-old Toi Leon, the national honoree for the Arthritis Walk. Leon was diagnosed at the age of 2 with systemic juvenile rheuma-
