Jingle Bell Run Raises Awareness and Funds for Arthritis
Bioventus was one bell in a chorus of many jingling bells raising awareness and funds to cure arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation is a non-profit organization that champions ongoing support as well as life-changing science in the fight against arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. OA’s slow development and progression can lead to patients needing ongoing advocacy, resources, and community connections to maintain mobility and minimize pain.
The Foundation’s support of life-changing science aligns with our work here at Bioventus and our Culture Principles of Patient Impact and Make an Impact. Knee OA patients also benefit from our hyaluronic acid treatments including DUROLANE®, GELSYN-3® and SUPARTZ FX®.
Team Bioventus competed in the Jingle Bell Run in Memphis on November 20 at Overton Square Courtyard and the Raleigh/Durham run on December 4 at Dorothea Dix Park. In addition, virtual races were encouraged for remote workers who wanted to complete the 5K and Bioventus field-based employees were also invited to participate.
The Jingle Bell Run is one of the Foundation’s national fundraisers to raise money and awareness to help cure arthritis. The money raised will also help improve the overall health of people living with arthritis.
According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, one-third of the people with osteoarthritis live with other chronic conditions. Their OA limits their ability to self-manage those chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
From red and green tutus and Santa suits to dressing like The Grinch or one of Santa’s many elves, the people running and walking for the cause show the fun side of the Jingle Bell Run in Raleigh. The added to the fun by sponsoring a photo booth, complete with festive boas, hats with elf ears, and other holiday themed props.
Through our combined efforts, Team Bioventus raised $6,710 and completed 98.70 miles! Bioventus colleagues were encouraged to participate and win prizes for their fundraising efforts. Christa Thompson was the top fund raiser from the field, she along with Jacqueline Tenkhoff in Memphis and Jeannie Hutton in Durham won a Cuisinart Venture Gas Grill for raising the most money among others in their offices/the field.
Anyone who raised at least $50 was entered into a drawing to win three more gas grills and a Bioventus logoed performance tee. Ann Sheridan from the field, Debbie Fraser in Memphis and Adriana Polcaro in Durham won their respective random drawings and will receive their grills in time for Christmas.
Everyone who donated did not receive a prize, but they all gave something worth celebrating.