(Press Release)

Killeen, Texas – Iduma Elementary is starting a new tradition. On Friday, May 9th the students, faculty, staff and parents will host a school walk on campus, to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Unable to participate in the Bell County Walk on May 31st the school wanted to make a difference in the lives of the over 46 million Americans and 300,000 children affected by this debilitating disease.

Each student that riases $3 will be awarded an Arthritis Foundation pencil. The top three fundraisers from the school will be awarded gift cards from Toys R Us. Dewayne Wells from Oldies 95 radio station will be at the event with the radio van to entertain the kids as they walk. The kids will be encouraged to walk for 30 minutes around the school. “The kids are really excited about raising money for such a worth while casue” said Principal Tyson, one of the event organizers, “there are so many children affected by this disease so it’s important that we help bring awareness in any way we can.”

“The majority of the money raised from this walk and the May 31st walk, will stay in Bell County to support our mission based programs, the Arthritis Foundation exercise classes, advocacy efforts, free literature requests and Dr. referal services,” said Rachel Martinez, Special Events/Programs Director for the Heart of Texas Branch of the Arthritis Foundation. “A portion of the money will be invested directly in the most promising research in the country in the hopes to find a cure for the more than 100 different types of arthritis.”

The National Signature event of the Arthritis Foundation the Arthritis Walk will be held on Saturday, May 31st at Carl Levin Park in Harker Heghts. The 1-mile and 5k non-competative family event raises funds and awareness to fight arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability.