October 12 is World Arthritis Day

The Tampa Bay area is honoring World Arthritis Day. The community is welcome to take part by wearing green, attending the lighting event at Curtis Hixon Park or sharing with others about arthritis awareness.

Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa is going “green” with the park and fountains lighting up green the evening of October 12th. All are welcome to stop by and share in the fun with Arthritis Foundation friends and family, starting at 6:30pm. Attendees are invited to wear green if they wish.

The Honorable Kenneth T. Welch, Mayor of St. Petersburg issued a proclamation, acknowledging World Arthritis Day in St. Petersburg. The document includes a request to “… urge all citizens to observe this day with activities and events that support and inspire compassion for those who suffer from this chronic condition.”

For seventy-five years, the Arthritis Foundation has been committed to conquering this disease through life-changing research and resources. Arthritis affects nearly 60 million Americans, including more than 800,000 Tampa area residents. Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 different diseases and conditions, including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus, and more.

World Arthritis Day is a global effort to encourage grass roots awareness for this disabling disease. The goal is help educate all ages of the existence and impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend the lighting of Curtis Hixon Park and encouraged to share about the World Arthritis Day in any ways they choose. Light rain, the event will continue, safety first, stormy conditions, the gathering will be cancelled.

Curtis Hixon Park is located at 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602.