~ Thousands walked to help find a cure for one of Canada's leading causes of disability ~

TORONTO, June 11, 2012 /CNW/ - The 3rd annual Walk to Fight Arthritis presented by the makers of TYLENOL®, held on Sunday, June 10th in 21 communities across Canada, was hailed as a resounding success by all who attended.  In total, almost $1.6 million was raised, bringing the total raised over the course of 3 years of the Walk to almost $3.9 million.  In total, 8,000 participants took part in this year's Walk.

"It was truly touching to see the overwhelming support of those gathered to participate in the Walk to Fight Arthritis," says Janet Yale, President and CEO of The Arthritis Society.  "Every dollar earned and every step we take brings us closer to finding a cure. We are most grateful for our sponsors, participants, volunteers and employees who took time to generously support the millions of Canadians living with arthritis."

The success of the Walk, this year and in the future, allows the Society to increase awareness of arthritis, fund much needed research and programs to support Canadians living with the disease.

Pat Smallcombe, Managing Director, Johnson & Johnson Inc. participated in the Toronto Walk to Fight Arthritis along with many other Johnson & Johnson Inc.  employees who represented  presenting sponsor, TYLENOL®. "I'd like to thank The Arthritis Society for the work they do for the 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis," says Smallcombe. "TYLENOL® is very proud to be presenting sponsor for such an outstanding event.  Our hope is that through our partnership with The Society we are making a difference in the lives of those living with this debilitating disease. "

For more information and to see photos from the event, visit www.WalkToFightArthritis.ca and check out the Walk on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WalkToFightArthritis.

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

SOURCE Arthritis Society

Image with caption: "3rd annual Walk to Fight Arthritis a resounding success (CNW Group/Arthritis Society)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120611_C7450_PHOTO_EN_14971.jpg