Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run Returns To Tampa Bay

TAMPA BAY, FL — The 2021 Jingle Bell Run for arthritis is back and bringing holiday cheer to Tampa Bay on Dec. 11 with the goal of raising $105,000 this year.

As more than 800 people gather at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa to join the movement to conquer arthritis, this annual, holiday-themed 5K fun run and 1-mile walk encourages participants to dress in festive costumes and get moving to raise awareness and funds to cure America’s No. 1 cause of disability.

Taking place in more than 100 cities nationwide, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run benefits the more than 54 million Americans (one in four adults), including 300,000 children (one in every 250), living with arthritis every day. In Florida, nearly 4.5 million have arthritis, accounting for 8% of the nation's total. Arthritis affects residents of all ages including those with rheumatic diseases, as well as the more commonly known osteoarthritis.

From funding cutting-edge research for new treatments and ultimately a cure, to advocating for health care access, the Arthritis Foundation helps those living with arthritis score everyday victories, one step at a time.

Gulf Beaches resident and Madeira Beach Yoga studio owner, Sherry Duquet, was named 2021 Adult Honoree of the Jingle Bell Run Tampa Bay.

"It is a privilege to be selected as the 2021 Adult Honoree," Duquet said. "My hope is to inspire others to Jingle with me, to raise funds for this organization that helps me, my family and all those they touch who are challenged with arthritis."

Many others may resonate with her sentiments when she first learned she had rheumatoid arthritis.

"The day I was diagnosed with rheumatoid disease, I left the rheumatologist feeling broken and afraid," she said.

Determined to find a way to move away from these feelings of despair, Duquet connected with the Arthritis Foundation the very next day. That connection immediately helped her feel supported by others who understood what she was experiencing.

The following people and partners will be honored at the event:

• Steven Chew, Jingle Bell Run corporate chair, Tampa General Hospital
• Dr. Kevin Cronin, Jingle Bell Run Honoree, Florida Orthopaedic Institute
• Sherry Duquet, Jingle Bell Run Adult Honoree
• Lily Robles, Jingle Bell Run Youth Honoree

The Jingle Bell Run is nationally sponsored by AbbVie, Janssen and Novartis and locally by Tampa General Hospital, Sagicor Life Insurance Co. and AARP. All participants receive an official Jingle Bell Run T-shirt, a finisher medal and jingle bells.

There is an in-person and virtual participation option. To learn more and register for the Tampa event, visit http://JBR.org/Tampa or contact the Arthritis Foundation at Florida@arthritis.org.

The Arthritis Foundation leads the fight for the arthritis community, helping conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.

The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life and making each day another stride toward a cure.