Esso retailers
in
BC
fueling
the
fight
for
kids
with
arthritis.
Published:
Saturday,
March
18,
2008
Vancouver,
March
18,
2008
-
Esso
retailers
from
across
British
Columbia
have
helped
to
raise
awareness
of
juvenile
arthritis
while
raising
$16,982.78
to
support
The
Arthritis
Societys
initiative
to
fund
the
first
paediatric
rheumatology
research
chair
in
Canada.
Esso
retailers
have
a
special
place
in
our
hearts
for
kids.
When
I
found
out
that
juvenile
arthritis
affects
1
in
250
children
in
Canada,
I
was
shocked
says
Jean
Dubuc
Esso
Senior
Territory
Manager
in
BC.
I
wasnt
aware
that
kids
even
got
arthritis
and
that
we
dont
know
the
cause
and
there
is
no
cure.
We
wanted
to
do
what
we
can
to
help
change
that.
100%
of
the
funds
raised
will
support
The
Arthritis
Societys
Ross
Petty
Research
Chair
in
Pediatric
Rheumatology
at
the
University
of
British
Columbia.
When
Jean
asked
all
Esso
retailers
to
come
on
board
to
help
raise
funds
for
these
kids
who
live
with
the
pain
and
disability
of
arthritis,
we
didnt
hesitate
to
offer
our
support,
said
Esso
retailer
Karim
Chandani
who
raised
$1,500.00
at
his
Lonsdale
and
Westview
locations.
Our
customers
have
been
incredibly
generous.
This
partnership
with
Esso
was
made
possible
by
Chandani,
Esso
retailer
and
founder
of
Celebs
for
Kids,
a
fundraising
initiative
he
started
after
his
8-year
old
daughter
was
diagnosed
with
a
form
of
arthritis
called
lupus.
I
am
absolutely
certain
that
we
will
realize
our
dream
of
a
cure
for
juvenile
arthritis
and
lupus
in
my
daughters
lifetime,
notes
Chandani.
The
Arthritis
Societys
Ross
Petty
Research
Chair
in
Pediatric
Rheumatology
is
the
key
to
the
cure.
Cutline for photo: Esso Jean Dubuc, along with 8-year old Jalisa
and her parents Shala and Karim Chandani, present a cheque to
The Arthritis Society volunteer board member, Margaret
Vanderkruyk in support of juvenile arthritis.
About The Arthritis Society
The Arthritis Society is Canada principle health charity which
empowers the nearly 4.5 million Canadians with arthritis to live
their lives to the fullest by combating the daily limitations of
arthritis. Over the last 60 years, The Society has invested $160
million towards arthritis research to develop better treatments
and ultimately find a cure. In British Columbia alone, more than
600,000 people are currently battling arthritis, making it BCs
most common chronic condition.
For more information:
Pamela Gole
Director, External Relations
The Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon Division
604.714.5554;
pgole@bc.arthritis.ca
