In 1991 Jim Marino, PT, was introduced to the Arthritis Foundation by a patient in his Callahan office who belonged to a local arthritis support group. He was soon an active Arthritis Foundation volunteer as an advocate speaker, training instructor, and instructor for a program entitled "Living Daily with Arthritis." He was involved hook, line, and sinker, giving many hours volunteering in both Nassau and Duval Counties. He was rewarded for his volunteerism as Arthritis Foundation NE Branch Volunteer of the Year 2001.
Due to other important personal, professional and business commitments, the amount of time as an active volunteer had been limited the past couple of years. That is until recently, when Jim had the pleasure of accidentally meeting Arleen Dennison, who was hired by the AF to promote a new event. Arleen stopped by his office seeking support for the upcoming event and was surprised to learn of his past involvement with the AF. Needless to say, Jim is now once again an active volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation. He has reconnected with a restructured and revitalized AF that has committed more time and energy to Nassau County.
In that new framework, Nassau Physical Therapy was one of the proud sponsors of the first Amelia Island Arthritis Walk. This event took place June 2, at the Egan's Creek Greenway, Atlantic Avenue. Individuals and teams walk a 5K route or one-mile option as a noncompetitive, team-building event.
This is one of hundreds of Arthritis Walk events nationwide, hosted by the Arthritis Foundation, raising funds to prevent, control, and seek a cure for the nation's #1 cause of disability. Arthritis and chronic joint pain affect more than 46 million people-or one in five adults and nearly 300,000 children. Arthritis costs the U.S. economy nearly $86.2 billion. Arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that affect areas in or around joints. Although there is no cure, arthritis pain can be managed with diet, exercise, surgery and medication.
For more information about arthritis and how you can help, contact NE Florida Chapter, 314 Palmetto St., Jacksonville, FL 32202, 800-578-7183, or www.arthritis.org . You may also stop by one of Nassau Physical Therapy's offices at 45264 Third Ave. (904) 879-1223 (Callahan), or 869 Sadler Rd. (904) 277-4449 (Fernandina Beach). Because of your commitment, the Arthritis Foundation will be able to provide education, literature, and programs and services-and research dollars to help find the cure. Your support does help improve the quality of life for those affected with arthritis and their families.
