Join Thousands of Canadians in the 3rd Annual Walk to Fight Arthritis

~ Help find a cure for one of Canada's leading cause of disability ~

TORONTO, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - In 21 communities across Canada, thousands of Canadians will be joining forces on Sunday, June 10th for The Arthritis Society's Walk to Fight Arthritis, presented by the makers of TYLENOL®. Funds raised will be invested in vital arthritis research and programs for the 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis.

"In the past two years, participants in The Walk to Fight Arthritis participants have raised over $2.3 million," says Janet Yale, President and CEO, The Arthritis Society. "This year promises to be even more successful in terms of fundraising and participation.  This overwhelming support from the arthritis community brings us closer to our goal of finding a cure for this disease."

While official Walks are being held on Sunday, June 10th in 21 communities across the country, any community can take part by holding their own Virtual Walk. "Regardless of where you live, you can create your own Virtual Walk in any city or town," says Yale. "Gather a group of family, friends or co‐workers, set your route and register online for the Virtual Walk. It's a great way to walk on your own schedule and still help make a difference."

In addition to walking and raising funds, Canadians are encouraged to visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca to share their personal story of living with arthritis. The makers of TYLENOL® have generously donated $10 per story towards helping find a cure and we are very pleased  that more than  2,000 stories have been shared. "Arthritis affects both young and old - in fact, of the 4.6 million Canadians who live with arthritis, nearly three in five are under the age of 65," says Pat Smallcombe, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson Inc. "That's why we're so proud to be involved with The Arthritis Society to raise funds and help those struggling with this disease."

All participants who raise $100 or more will receive an official Walk to Fight Arthritis t‐shirt on event day; there is no cost to register.

For details on the Walk, visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca and check out the Walk on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WalkToFightArthritis to connect with other participants around the country.

About The Arthritis Society

The Arthritis Society is dedicated to a vision of Living well while creating a future without arthritis. It is Canada's principal health charity providing education, programs and support to 4.6 million Canadians with arthritis and their loved ones. Since its founding in 1948, The Society has been the largest non-government funder of arthritis research in Canada by investing more than $175 million in projects that have led to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with arthritis.

For more information, visit www.arthritis.ca.

About McNeil Consumer Healthcare                                                                                                      

McNeil Consumer Healthcare markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) products around the globe. In Canada, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., markets products in the adult and pediatric pain relief, allergy, gastro-intestinal and nicotine-replacement categories under the brand names TYLENOL®, MOTRIN®, BENYLIN®, BENADRYL®, REACTINE®, PEPCID®, IMODIUM®, ROLAIDS®, NICORETTE® and NICODERM®. For more information visit, www.jnjcanada.com

or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Lindsay Curtis
Marketing & Communications Specialist
The Arthritis Society
416.979.7228 ext. 3397
[email protected]