Geneviève Simard joins the fight against arthritis

The internationally renowned Canadian downhill ski athlete is available to discuss her personal experience with the disease and her participation in Walk to Fight Arthritis

MONTREAL, May 29 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, the Arthritis Society is bringing the Walk to Fight Arthritis, presented by the makers of TYLENOL(R), to communities across Canada, including Montreal, to help raise funds and awareness for the leading cause of disability in Canada.

For more than four million Canadians, arthritis is a debilitating and life-changing disease. While many believe that arthritis affects primarily the elderly, most people currently living with the disease are under the age of 65.

Joining the thousands expected to show their support across the country tomorrow is Geneviève Simard, who will be participating in the Montreal walk and proudly wearing a special Blue Badge to show her connection to the cause and the fight against arthritis. All walk participants will be given a Blue Badge to wear during the walk to demonstrate that there are multiple forms of arthritis and that it impacts Canadians of all ages and not just the elderly.

The arthritis cause and the pain it may cause are very close to Geneviève Simard's heart. Geneviève Simard had several surgeries on her knee because of the devastating effects of arthritis and had to retire from professional competitions just before the last Winter Olympic Games because of the impact of surgeries on her performance.

Also joining Geneviève Simard is Marie-Ève Veilleux who has been suffering from severe arthritis her entire life and just got a major surgery to be able to walk again.

Geneviève Simard and Marie-Ève Veilleux will be available tomorrow to discuss how arthritis has affected their life and the importance of finding a cure for this disease, including:

    
        -  Why participating in the Walk to Fight Arthritis is so important
           to them;
        -  How Canadians can support cutting-edge research and essential
           programs that support those living with arthritis;
        -  Tips on how to manage certain types of arthritis; and,
        -  The best resources for patient, friends and family to find
           information and support.
    

The Montreal Walk will be held at the Parc Jean Drapeau on St Helen's Island and will start at 10 a.m. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Participants can choose to walk 1 or 5 km. In addition to the Walk, lots of activities including lunch, entertainment, music and attendance prizes are planned for walkers and families.

For more information on tomorrow's Walk to Fight Arthritis, visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca.

For further information: To arrange an interview with Geneviève Simard and/or Marie-Ève Veilleux, please contact: Antoine Ouellon, Edelman, C: [phone], Courriel: [email protected]