2013 Kansas Arthritis Walk Honorees
Meet McKenzie “Kenzie” Leigh Shoff
Manhattan Arthritis Walk Youth Honoree
McKenzie Leigh Shoff, who likes to go by Kenzie, was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in August, 2012. JIA is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s organs and tissues; in this case, the joints. Despite the challenges of her JIA Kenzie has remained as active as possible. Read more of Kenzie's story
Meet Kristin Copeland
Manhatten Arthritis Walk Honoree
Kristin began suffering from hip pain during her freshman year at Kansas State, when she was in the best shape of her life. First diagnosed as a pulled muscle, the pain and stiffness would come and go in cycles. At least five times a year, she would be in unbearable pain for about a week, pretty bad pain for another couple weeks and then it would trail off. The orthopedic doctors knew her joint was dying but didn't know why. They threw around diagnoses of a labral tear, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, all with surgery as the final solution. Read more of Kristin's story
Meet Courtney Smith
Manhattan Arthritis Walk Honoree
Courtney was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) over twenty years ago. She has had numerous struggles over the years, but has seen and experienced the progress of advancements in treatments for RA.
Courtney said, “It wasn’t easy growing up as a teenager with RA, and it honestly still isn’t easy, but you adjust to your limitations. She went on to say, when I was diagnosed there weren’t many choices in treatment. We’ve come such a long way and I hope to see a cure someday.” Read more of Courtney's story
Meet Mike Messmer DO, CAQSM
2013 Topeka Arthritis Walk Kick-Off, Art for Arthritis - Honorary Medical Chair
Dr. Mike Messer is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Residency at Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; and his Fellowship at Metro Hospital. He is board certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine. Read more about Dr. Messmer's story.
Meet Benedict F. Figuerres, MD
Topeka Arthritis Walk Medical Honoree
Dr. Figuerres received his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. He completed his medical degree at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Dr. Figuerres’ residency was at the University of Illinois at Chicago; and his fellowship at Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery at the University of Chicago. Read more about Dr. Figuerres's story.
Meet Sam Laflin
Kansas City Arthritis Walk Honoree
As a 3rd grader and in the years that followed, Sam Laflin of Olathe suffered pneumonia and a dizzying array of other ailments: loss of appetite, fatigue, sinus infections, bronchitis. All the while, she was a competitive, year-round swimmer, and her parents speculated that the sport was just “taking its toll” on her young body. Eventually, though, mom Nancy knew “in my heart” that something was wrong and, at the age of 15, Sam was diagnosed her with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Today, thanks to the intervention of doctors and medications that helped make her whole, Sam is persevering. She continues to swim competitively and, as a high school senior, is hoping to one day swim in college. Where once her days were filled with anguish, pain and despair, she is now looking forward to a bright and happy future. We’re proud that Sam Laflin, 18, is the 2013 Arthritis Walk honoree. Read more of Sam's story
Meet Dr. Mike Smith
Kansas City Arthritis Walk Medical Honoree
Each year the Kansas City Arthritis Walk recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a fervent passion for his or her work in the battle against arthritis. This year’s recipient of the Medical Honoree Award is an excellent example of someone who has devoted his career to the advancement of exemplary health care, and who has specifically directed his efforts in the battle against arthritis. Read more of Dr. Smith's story
Wichita Arthritis Walk
Join past Youth Honorees and junior artists who participated in our recent and very successful Art For Arthritis Gala Auction, raising over $32,000 to fight arthritis.
Our Arthritis Walk is the 'next step' to start your exercise regime to get in shape for our 26th Annual Jingle Bell Run. More importantly it is another great way to help support our programs and services here in Kansas.
