2013 Heartland Region Arthritis Walk Honorees
Arthritis Walk - Lake County
Meet Sarah, Arthritis Walk Youth Honoree
Sarah was just six years old when she was officially diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA); but has displayed symptoms since the age of 1 ½. Despite the pain and swelling that JRA causes, Sarah remains as active as possible. Read more of Sarah's story
Arthritis Walk Bloomington, IL
Meet our Arthritis Honoree, Dr. David Bortell
Dr. David Bortell is a well-known veterinarian in Central Illinois and the owner of Bortell Animal Hospital in Bloomington. In his day to day work caring for pets, he has seen the effects of arthritis not only in animals, but personally when he was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Dr. Bortell will be speaking at the walk about his experience with arthritis personally, how he manages the pain and what effects it has had on him so far.
Arthritis Walk - Bloomington, IL
Meet Dr. Melissa Lockwood, Arthritis Walk Medical Honoree
Dr. Melissa Lockwood has been practicing in Bloomington for almost 5 years, and can attest to seeing arthritis in her podiatric practice every day. Patients present with foot and ankle problems that are commonly attributed to the development of arthropathies – rheumatoid, gouty and especially osteoarthritis. Dr. Lockwood also lives with osteoarthritis in her knee, and understands patients’ needs to stay active and healthy while treating their disease. Read more of Dr. Lockwood's story
Arthritis Walk Carbondale
Meet Cheyenne, Arthritis Walk Youth Honoree
Cheyenne is 9 years old and lives in Murphysboro, Illinois. She is a student in Ms. Bachmann’s 3rd grade class at General John A. Logan Elementary. She is a straight-A student and recently received a reading achievement award for reading over 500,000 words in the school year’s second quarter! Besides reading, Cheyenne loves science and hopes to become a teacher when she grows up. She plays soccer and softball, and like most other little girls, loves to sing and dance. Read more of Cheyenne's story
Arthritis Walk Chicago
Meet Olivia Neitzel, Arthritis Walk Youth Honoree
Olivia’s beautiful smile gives no hint of the challenges she has experienced since being diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in the second grade. There have been ups and downs, but today Olivia is doing pretty well. Although she suffers from frequent swelling, she remains determined to live an active lifestyle. Read more of Olivia’s story
Arthritis Walk Chicago
Meet Karen Onel, MD, Arthritis Walk Medical Honoree
Dr. Karen Onel, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The University of Chicago Medicine, Comer Children’s Hospital is an expert in pediatric rheumatology. Additionally, Dr. Onel also serves the pediatric arthritis community at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago a few days per month. She specializes in the diagnosis and care of children with lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, vasculitis, uveitis, dermatomyositis and musculoskeletal pain. Working with a team of nurses and social workers, Dr. Onel creates long-term treatment plans to improve the quality of life for her patients. Read more of Dr. Onel's story
Arthritis Walk South Suburbs
Meet Brittany Konsoer, Arthritis Walk Honoree
Brittany was a college freshman when she was diagnosed with Seronegative Osteoarthritis in March, 2009. She had suffered with a swollen ankle, knee and elbow and was undergoing physical therapy when arthritis was discovered during an MRI.
Most days are a challenge, but Brittany fights through the pain and continues to work at a job she loves; being a special education teacher. She has completed her master’s degree and is looking forward to this year’s walk; her sixth! Read more about Brittany's story.
Arthritis Walk Peoria
Meet Madelyne, Arthritis Walk Youth Honoree
Hi! My name is Madelyne Gingerich and I am 8 years old. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 18 months old. Two years later we learned my arthritis changed and that it now affects my entire body; it’s called Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Not only are my joints affected, but all of my internal organs are too, including my heart. In addition to all of this, just last year I developed uveitis. That means it is in my eyes too. I enjoy playing outdoors, riding my bike, throwing balls with my mom, reading any book I can get my hands on and simply being able to be a kid. I wish every day for a cure for rheumatoid arthritis so no other kids like me or our parents ever have to go through what I have been through.
Please join me and the Arthritis Foundation as we continue our fight for a cure!
Thanks!
