Massage Envy Raises $1.1 Million for the Arthritis Foundation

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy announced today that its more than 1,100 franchises across the U.S. joined forces for the annual Healing Hands for Arthritis event raising $1,107,892 for the Arthritis Foundation. The partnership, now in its fifth year, is built on Massage Envy's commitment and promise to help people feel their best.

"As the nation's leading cause of disability, we believe that routine therapeutic massage can help people with arthritis find relief that's essential for their total body care and well-being," said Debbie Gonzalez, chief brand officer at Massage Envy. "Through therapeutic treatments and financial support, we want to offer those with arthritis a chance to live the best lives they can live."

On Sept. 16 Massage Envy franchised locations around the nation donated $10 for every 1-hour massage or facial performed to the Arthritis Foundation. The fifth Healing Hands for Arthritis event, has collectively raised more than $4 million to help the more than 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children, suffering with the disease.

The funds raised will help support new scientific discoveries, create faster paths to a cure and contribute resources including programs such as:

• Juvenile Arthritis camps so kids with arthritis can learn valuable skills to take charge of their disease and meet other children living with arthritis. Massage Envy was fortunate enough to meet Ty Hookom, a 10-year-old juvenile arthritis sufferer at a local camp, watch his story and why we support the Arthritis Foundation. https://youtu.be/vpWKKG_wfY0
• Support advocacy on Capitol Hill with the message that all people with arthritis should have access to optimal care and game-changing medicine.
• Patient toolkits to those individuals who have been newly-diagnosed with arthritis to help effectively manage their health.

Arthritis costs more than $156 billion annually in lost wages and medical expenses and the loss of 172 million work days. By the year 2030, an estimated 67 million, or 25 percent of the projected total adult population, will have arthritis.

"The Arthritis Foundation's goal is to provide personalized tools that allow people with arthritis to live the best life possible," said Ann M. Palmer, president and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation. "The contributions made by Massage Envy, their franchisees, and their guests and members during the Healing Hands for Arthritis event will fund these life-changing resources and advancements."

Massage Envy is also a national sponsor of the Arthritis Foundation's fundraising events Walk to Cure Arthritis® and Jingle Bell Run®. For those who were unable to attend the event, donations are also accepted all year long on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation at http://www.massageenvy.com/healing-hands-for-arthritis.aspx.

About Massage Envy
Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services. With its membership model, Massage Envy believes total body care is an integral part of everyone's well-being journey. The Massage Envy franchise system is, collectively, the largest employer of massage therapists and estheticians with more than 25,000 dedicated professionals that provide best-in-class service to over 1.65 million members. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states and has delivered more than 90 million massages and 4 million facials. For more information, visit www.MassageEnvy.com, or follow us on Twitter @MassageEnvy and Facebook www.facebook.com/MassageEnvy.

About Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation's goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers.

SOURCE Massage Envy

Related Links

http://www.MassageEnvy.com