Ann Palmer to Join Jennifer Aniston for Cake Movie Town Hall on Jan. 6

In connection with the upcoming nationwide release of a new motion picture about the devastating effects of chronic pain, the Arthritis Foundation has the unique opportunity to put arthritis and the work of our organization in the mainstream spotlight.

Arthritis Foundation President and CEO Ann Palmer will join actress Jennifer Aniston for a town hall panel discussion in Los Angeles on Jan. 6, 2015.  The panel Q&A will follow a special screening of Aniston’s new movie, "Cake," which depicts the journey of a chronic pain patient and will be released in theaters nationwide on Jan. 23.

Also participating on the panel will be Dr. Bruce Hensel, chief medical editor for NBC4 (KNBC-TV) in Los Angeles, and Stacy Courtney,  stunt coordinator for the movie whose real-life experience inspired Aniston’s portrayal of the film’s main character. The panelists will answer questions from the audience and discuss the impact of chronic pain on millions of Americans.

Palmer will highlight arthritis and related diseases as the leading cause of disability in the United States, as well as being a common source of chronic pain. She will also emphasize the important role the Arthritis Foundation plays in improving people’s lives.

The Foundation is urging people with arthritis and other pain to be champions and turn the NOs they often face into YESes. We’re expanding our pain management resources and tools; we’re activating a new scientific strategy to accelerate diagnostics and new treatments; our advocacy and access initiatives are giving people a stronger voice; and we’re leading the way in creating communities and connecting people with arthritis and rheumatic conditions for mutual help and support.

“More than 50 million Americans – at least that many – suffer from chronic pain, like seen in the movie 'Cake,'” says Palmer.  “We applaud the efforts of screenwriter Patrick Tobin, director Daniel Barnz and actress Jennifer Aniston for bringing this important issue to the big screen. Chronic pain from arthritis and other physical disorders seriously limits our productivity as a nation, as well as our economic progress and living everyday life. We need to address this now, starting with arthritis, which attacks one in every five Americans.”

Aniston’s performance in "Cake" has already earned her Best Actress nominations from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice. There has been growing speculation that she could also be named as a Best Actress nominee for the 2015 Academy Awards.

To learn more about the panel and watch the trailer visit arthritis.org/cake. To learn more about the film visit www.cakemovie.net.