For those who suffer from arthritis or other autoimmune diseases, even everyday activities can become a chore. Pain and reduced mobility are common symptoms of those who suffer, and while there are treatments that can help address the symptoms, like cancer, there are many forms and classifications of the disease (in fact, there are over 100 different types such as Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Gout, and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), which makes it difficult to find a single cure or multiple cures.
The Power of Movement started in 2005 when a yoga teacher used her yoga breathing exercises to help her through an extended hospital stay when she was diagnosed with Lupus. She wanted to share her experiences with other people who might benefit from using yoga to manage their autoimmune illnesses, as well as to help raise money to try to find a cure. Thus, with support from the Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Centre Foundation, she was able to start something special.
To date, the Power of Movement has raised over $700,000 and hopes to reach the $1 million dollar goal with this year’s campaign.
Power of Movement is now a national event, hosted in 12 different cities across Canada. On the last Sunday in February, all of the participating cities host a mega-session where yoga gurus from Canada’s leading yoga studios teach classes accessible to everyone designed to build a healthy balance of strength and flexibility, in order to raise funds for research and raise awareness of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Calgary is no different, and Power of Movement Calgary will host their third annual mega-session on Sunday, February 27 from 11 a.m. to noon at Eau Claire Market.
Open to the public to participate or watch, many local celebrities and personalities have pledged to support the event. The Calgary Stampeders’ Joffrey Reynolds will be showing off his yoga mat skills as he stretches and bends in the name of finding a cure. Local singer/songwriter Janelle Miller will be serenading participants before the event, and CTV Calgary anchor Camilla Di Guiseppe will be taking part too.
All proceeds raised through this event will help benefit the Arthritis and Autoimmunity Research Centre Foundation and the Canadian Arthritis Network.
It’s not too late to register if you’d like to take part. There’s still some room available and to register, visit the Power of Movement main site.
