{CHICAGO} — The Arthritis Foundation, Greater Chicago Chapter has named Jorge O. Galante, MD, DMSc, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and The Grainger Director of the Rush Arthritis and Orthopedics Institute at RUSH University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, as the recipient of the 2008 Freedom of Movement Award.

Dr. Galante, a pioneer in joint replacement surgery and one of the first Chicago physicians to perform a total hip implant, in 1968, has had a profound impact on research and the clinical practice of orthopaedics. Since the late 1960's, Dr. Galante has worked to develop long-lasting, biologically compatible joint replacements, and helped develop, with a colleague from the University of Illinois, a titanium fiber mesh used as a porous coating on joint replacements. This development began a new era of joint replacement surgery, leading to the invention of hip and knee replacements used today by surgeons around the world.

The Freedom of Movement Award acknowledges leaders in the advancement of research and awareness for the management, prevention, and cure of arthritis, the most common cause of disability in the United States.

Dr. Galante will be honored with this award at the Arthritis Foundation's Black Tie Gala on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at The Field Museum. The Black Tie Gala, now in its nineteenth year, is established as a special evening of recognition attracting more than 500 medical and business professionals.

Funds raised for the gala will go to continuing support of arthritis research, education and programs both at the national and local levels.

Previous recipients of the Freedom of Movement Award include Dr. Rowland W. Chang, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Steve Cochran of WGN Radio, and football great Joe Namath.

Tickets are $350 per person or $3,500 for a table of ten guests. For further information including underwriting opportunities, contact Mary Poland at (312) 372-2080 ex. 23 or go to www.arthritis.org keyword "Chicago."

About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the only nationwide, nonprofit health organization helping people take greater control of arthritis by leading efforts to prevent, control and cure arthritis and related diseases–the nation's number one cause of disability. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest non-governmental funder of arthritis research in the world. Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has provided nearly $350 million to arthritis-related research through its nationally recognized peer-review research award program. For free information on improving health and limiting the impact of arthritis, contact the Arthritis Foundation at 1-800-735-0096 or www.arthritis.org.

Contact:
Sharon Tatom Garcia
Arthritis Foundation, Greater Chicago Chapter
312-372-2080 ext. 30
statom@arthritis.org