Party With A Purpose: The 2023 Arthritis Fire Ball™

It’s the fundraising event of the year! Arthritis Society Canada’s annual Fire Ball™ is a party with a purpose, a glamorous evening dedicated to extinguishing arthritis. Last year’s Fire Ball™ was a blazing success, raising $375,000 to fight the fire of arthritis, and this year’s elegant black-tie affair, including a cocktail reception, gourmet three-course dinner, casino, live and silent auction, live band, dancing and inspirational stories that celebrate the strength, resiliency, and perseverance of people living with arthritis, aims to do even better. Fire Ball™ 2023 is happening Saturday, November 4 at the Fairmont Royal York’s Canadian Room from 6 p.m. to late, and we chatted with Arthritis Society Canada chief development officer Jennifer Stewart to learn more. —Noa Nichol

Hi Jennifer! What is arthritis and who does it impact? (How can this be explained to those who may not be familiar with arthritis)

Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of over 100 diseases characterized by inflammation in the joints and sometimes other areas of the body. It is a chronic and painful disease that affects people of every age, sex, gender and racial background. Its impact goes well beyond the physical, affecting a person’s mental, emotional and financial health and increasing risk factors for many other diseases.

What are some stats/figures around arthritis in Canada that may come as a surprise?

Arthritis is Canada’s most common chronic disease, affecting more people than diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke combined. Over 6 million people in Canada have it—that is 1 in 5 people. If nothing is done, as many as 9 million people could have it by 2040. As a leading cause of disability and work limitations in Canada, arthritis costs the economy upwards of $33 billion annually.

We’ve heard much about hidden disabilities/diseases lately; does arthritis count as one of these? If so, what are the implications of that?

Arthritis is an invisible disease; people living with it may appear well on the outside, but they often silently battle agonizing pain and limited mobility. Because of arthritis’s invisibility, peers, colleagues and loved ones are not always aware of the struggle facing people living with it, leaving them feeling isolated and impacting their mental well-being. Due to its alienating nature, people living with arthritis are twice as likely to have a mental illness.

What are the top myths/misunderstandings/falsehoods around arthritis?

Despite how common arthritis is, it remains misunderstood. A commonly heard myth is that only older adults have arthritis—that is simply not true. Over half of people with arthritis are under the age of 65. As many as 25,000 children in Canada have this disease, and almost 220,000 Canadians between 15 and 34 live with arthritis. Another misconception is that arthritis is just aches and pains. It is a complex, chronic, serious disease that causes pain, restricts mobility and diminishes a person’s quality of life.

Do you have any tips for prevention, or is it unavoidable for some? 

Arthritis prevention is an active area of research. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent arthritis, there are ways to reduce the risk factors of developing certain forms of arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active can help prevent osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. With rheumatoid arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis, you can reduce your risk by not smoking and staying physically active.

Do you have any advice around diagnosis, treatment and management?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, swelling or stiffness in one or more joints, don’t ignore them, as early diagnosis of arthritis can lead to early relief. Speak to your healthcare professional and learn what treatment options are available for you. Steps you can you take to maintain your joint health and find relief include 1) moving your body every day to reduce arthritis-related pain and symptoms such as stiffness, muscle weakness and tightness, and 2) nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods that are high in fibre, antioxidants, vitamins like folate and B6, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium—all of these have anti-inflammatory properties which may help reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints.

What is the Arthritis Fire Ball™ all about and what does it aim to achieve in terms of awareness and fundraising?

The second annual Arthritis Fire Ball™ is a party with a purpose taking place on Saturday, November 4 from 6 p.m. to late at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York Hotel. This year over 710 guests can look forward to an evening of entertainment, delicious food and beverages, and a coveted live and silent auction. Key highlights of the evening include a performance from American Idol finalist Nicolina Bozzo, a reading from Ontario’s first Poet Laureate, Rendell Adjei featuring opera singer, Christina Smith, and special guest speakers, a live band, dancing and a lively after-party lounge, all hosted by emcee Michelle Dubé from CTV News Toronto. This year’s goal is to raise $500,000 to help support Arthritis Society Canada’s groundbreaking work in research, advocacy, innovation, information and support. To learn more about Arthritis Fire Ball™, visit www.arthritis.ca/fireball.

How can we support Arthritis Society Canada throughout the year?

Learn more about arthritis and its devastating impact, attend one of our events, and get involved as a volunteer by visiting our website, arthritis.ca. Readers can make a tremendous difference by donating—any amount helps. Donations help Arthritis Society Canada advance research, advocate for policy change—as demonstrated in our State of Arthritis Report Card, which identifies gaps in the diagnosis, treatment and management of arthritis, innovate breakthroughs, and provide information, education and support, making a difference in the lives of people in every province of Canada impacted by arthritis.

How can we support our friends and family with arthritis?

People living with pain typically consider emotional support to be the most helpful. Help your loved ones feel cared for and accepted by listening to their daily stresses without judgement, providing encouragement and reinforcing the positive changes that have happened because of their efforts to manage their pain. You can also offer physical support by asking your loved ones if there are things that you can take on to make their lives easier. This can include assisting with chores or errands, helping with transportation, and preparing for medical appointments. The more you know about what your loved one is going through, the more insight you’ll have. Arthritis Society Canada’s online learning resources are a great place to start.

arthritis.ca