Index:
Anna Ruble
Kim Stearns
Mary Hoeger

Anna Ruble

Anna Ruble, 13, is a 7th grader at Waukee South Middle School where she is involved in band, chorus and show choir. She is also plays guitar and piano. She enjoys these creative outlets even though it’s sometimes difficult with arthritis. She was diagnosed with pauciarticular JRA when she was almost 3 years old. Medicine and physical therapy worked well and when she was almost 5, she went into remission until the 2rd grade. On April 14, 2006 she woke up unable to walk. When it returned and was affecting many more joints, Anna and her parents started her on much more aggressive treatments. She has struggled to understand and cope with the injections, pain and medicines that made her feel sick. But with the help of family, friends, doctors, and the Arthritis Foundation, she keeps her focus on how she can help others. She has participated in the walk since 2008, loves to attend Camp Spirit, and has enjoyed many events with the Arthritis Foundation’s JA support group. She is under the care of Dr. Sandy Hong at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Join Anna at the Des Moines Arthritis Walk.

Kim Stearns

I am very honored to have been chosen as the medical honoree for the 2011 Des Moines Arthritis Foundation Walk. I am very lucky to have spent these last 13 years of my career working as a registered nurse (RN) at the Mercy Arthritis Center. I am proud to be part of this great team of professionals, caring for and treating those with this painful, often debilitating and chronic disease. Having been in nursing for 32 years, I find I am so satisfied with all I have experienced.

I started my nursing career by attending St. Luke’s Nursing School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduating in 1979. Prior to nursing school, I attended Luther College in Decorah for three years. After nursing school, I spent many years in cardiology, then oncology and now rheumatology. All have challenged me and given me such great and varied experiences.

I have three children ages 21, 23 and 25, and I have been married 27 years. I enjoy walking, reading, bird watching and patio gardening. I am trying to walk the walk and talk the talk by getting back into a fitness program at the YMCA. My knees are thanking me. 
I believe a sense of humor and being grateful for friends and family gets us through many life events. I look forward to this year’s walk and encourage all who can participate to join us!

Join Kim at the Des Moines Arthritis Walk.

Mary Hoeger

Type of Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Mary Tells Her Story:

“I grew up with my mom having RA. She endured more pain than anyone can imagine. Those that knew her know what I am talking about. My mom, Ellen Hasley, is my hero. Because of her, we have the medications we do today. She was willing throughout her treatments to be in studies when new medications came out. Unfortunately, nothing worked for her, but through her courage doctors have been able to come up with new medications.

I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 34 years old. There were times when I could not move my leg and the pain was excruciating. Other times I could not lift my arms and it was very painful trying to wash my hair in the shower. Once I was diagnosed I tried several different medications. When Remicade first came out, I was one of the first to get it in the Cedar Rapids area. What a miracle that was for me. Today I can say that I have about 10 bad days a year and they aren’t nearly as bad as when I was first diagnosed. After 15 years of having RA, I can honestly say that with all the research that has been done we have made great progress in treating arthritis. If it wasn’t for people like my mom, the Arthritis Foundation, those who support the Foundation and the many medical professionals these miracle medications would not be available. I am very proud to be part of the Arthritis Walk and have my family and friends being a part of “Team Ellen.”

I would like to give special thanks to my husband Jim and our three children, Drew, Brittany and Melanie for all your support.”

The Arthritis Foundation is proud to honor Mary as the 2011 Adult Honoree for the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Area Arthritis Walk. Her words and story will serve as inspiration to those in the area that have been affected by the disease.