2025-26 Arthritis Champions Scholarship Winners

By Jill Tyrer and Lucy Samuels | Nov. 7, 2025

The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025-26 Arthritis Champions Scholarship winners. These 20 college students living with juvenile arthritis (JA) demonstrate the spirit of Yes as well as a commitment to helping others. 

Abigail M., Maryland: Abigail has focused her education on pursuing her passion for journalism and political science. During her four years at Simmons University in Boston, she served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and in multiple extracurricular activities and internships. She is planning to go into a career in news reporting or health care communications. Abigail was diagnosed at age 7 with seronegative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which left her in pain and feeling isolated through her early school years. She began volunteering with the Arthritis Foundation and is now a Platinum Ambassador for the Foundation’s advocacy efforts. She intends to use her personal experience and education in journalism and political science to continue to advocate for the arthritis community.

Andrew R., Arizona: Andrew is an elite teen athlete with juvenile ankylosing spondylitis who was repeatedly misdiagnosed with various sport-related injuries. He plays NCAA college lacrosse for Salisbury University in Maryland, where he is pursuing a degree in finance, with hopes of going into medical sales in rheumatology. Andrew not only wrote a children’s book for other kids with arthritis, but he has also been involved in various Arthritis Foundation events and opportunities, including Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run, as well as a Junior Ambassador and more. He plans to continue his volunteer work for the arthritis community in college and beyond.

Beatrice (Bede) M., Maryland: Bede is a senior at Northeastern University in Boston, where she is majoring in public health with minors in business administration and in law and public policy. She developed juvenile idiopathic arthritis symptoms at age 14 and struggled for several years to get her disease under control. She watched her peers gain independence and expand their horizons while she became more reliant on her parents until she finally found a medication that controlled her disease. Her arthritis led to her passion for public health and empowered her to become an arthritis Advocate. Bede and her family have raised over $75,000 to support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission. Her goal is to make the world more accessible for disabled people through advocacy, legislation and technological advances. 

Brooke D., California: Pursuing a master’s degree in social work from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Brooke plans to work directly with people who live with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Diagnosed at 2 years old, her JA was well controlled for most of her childhood until her transition to college. The added stresses that come with responsibilities of work, studies and managing her pain and health care sparked recurring flares that she still struggles with. Brooke has been involved with the Arthritis Foundation as a JA camp counselor, event coordinator, mentor and Advocate. She intends to continue “supporting, advocating for and empowering others in the arthritis community, because no one should have to face this journey alone.”

Dayna P., Illinois: Dayna is channeling the physical and mental pain and loneliness she felt as a young person of color with psoriasis and juvenile psoriatic arthritis into her career. She was thrilled when a biologic cleared her severe psoriasis, but when she developed psoriatic arthritis and changed biologics, she found herself in insurance battles to access a treatment that worked, leading her to arthritis advocacy. Growing up in a community with limited access to health care resources, she has eagerly stepped up to share her story to represent others with similar experiences. As a medical student at University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, she is interested in potentially specializing in complex medical dermatology, rheumatology or allergies. She is also determined to push for racial and economic justice in health care systems — and to meet her patients where they are, learn from their resilience and help empower them.

Elizabeth F., New Jersey: Diagnosed at 18 months old with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Elizabeth spent her childhood coping with weekly shots and the crippling nausea they caused. At 12, exhausted by the disease and the medication’s effects, she tried going off the drug, but the pain and swelling came rushing back. Encouraged to stay active, she developed a passion for swimming, where she excelled. She and her parents have been supporters and volunteers for the Arthritis Foundation throughout their journey, participating in and leading Walk to Cure Arthritis teams and more. A student at Villanova University, Elizabeth is majoring in economics, with minors in organizational communication and disability studies, which will allow her to pursue a career that aligns with her passions for business and health care advocacy.

Erin E., Connecticut: Diagnosed with JA at the age of 11, Erin was no longer able to play sports or even walk down the steps, and she and her family began their journey of doctor visits, medications and missed school days and activities. Her family became very involved with the Arthritis Foundation to help them understand her new life. They regularly participated in Jingle Bell Run, for which Erin has been an honoree and organizer. She met other kids with arthritis at JA camp, and she and her family have participated in the Advocacy Summit, local galas, Walk to Cure Arthritis, the New York City Arthritis Foundation board and JA board, among others. Erin is pursuing her education at Sacred Heart University to teach math.

Erin M., Texas: A third-year doctoral student at the University of North Texas, Erin has struggled with juvenile psoriatic arthritis since she was 14. Except for a few years in college, she has never found a treatment that worked long term. A licensed therapist, she founded a support group at her school for people with rheumatic conditions. She is pursuing a PhD in counseling and hopes to help others through research and teaching. She describes her arthritis advocacy work, which is extensive, as “deeply personal and professional.” 

Erin was selected as the 2025-26 Arthritis Champions Scholarship recipient of the Ann M. Palmer Award, named in honor of the Arthritis Foundation’s president and CEO from 2013 to 2022. Ann had a strong affinity for JA families and the Foundation’s initiatives on their behalf. In conferring this legacy award, we recognize and honor leaders like Palmer, who have made a great impact and inspired a new generation of leaders for our patient community. The award is given to an Arthritis Champions Scholarship recipient who scored the highest points for the essay describing their service and the impact they’ve had benefiting the Arthritis Foundation and/or arthritis community.  

Hailey P., Pennsylvania: At 15 months old, Hailey had to learn to live with JA before she even understood what it was. She endured painful injections and their side effects and continues to struggle with multiple medication changes to control her disease. Hailey and her family found comfort and community through the Arthritis Foundation, and they have been active in many fundraising events. Hailey has been youth honoree of Jingle Bell Run and Walk to Cure Arthritis, and she was a counselor at a JA camp. Now a senior at West Virgina University, she is still learning how to navigate life with arthritis, adapting to the changes and challenges college brings. Hailey is majoring in pre-med biology and minoring in disability studies. Her goal is to be a pediatric rheumatologist.

Isabella H., Ohio: After her parents noticed her limping at a soccer game, Isabella was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 6 years old. Two years later, additional symptoms revealed she actually had juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Infusions and having her first MRI were scary, but Isabella recalls how the nurses made sure she was comfortable — like giving her stuffed dog an anesthesia mask and IV bandage like Isabella’s. Starting her nursing career as a freshman at Otterbein University in Ohio, Isabella is training to be a pediatric nurse, inspired by her own nurses. Isabella, a recipient of the Dawn Haefeli Youth Leadership Award, also remains an active member of the Arthritis Foundation community, participating in fundraisers, volunteering for the Charity Auto Show and JA Family Summit, and serving as JA co-chair for her region in Ohio.

Jenna B., Nevada: Since she was 7 years old, Jenna has embraced softball despite her juvenile idiopathic arthritis. When her coach refused to let her train to pitch, Jenna did it herself. She was three-year captain of her high school varsity team and named All-League Pitcher of the Year. Jenna is now a sophomore at Augustana College in Illinois, a pitcher on its softball team and a certified youth sports coach. Also passionate about art, she's pursuing degrees in art and psychology. She hopes to use her art to address social issues, such as ensuring opportunities for young athletes with disabilities. She’s heavily involved in advocacy through the Arthritis Foundation and has shared her family’s battles to advocate against barriers to care, like step therapy. She is now working to become a Platinum Ambassador and serves on her state advocacy committee.

Jillian R., Missouri: Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 6 years old, Jillian felt like her life had flipped upside down, spending most of her childhood in hospitals rather than elementary school. Trapped in cycles of hope, grief and depression as each new medication failed, Jillian came to accept her condition and challenges as the building blocks of her resilience and determination. To help Jillian and her family adapt to her life with arthritis and Crohn’s disease, they first became involved with the Arthritis Foundation through local Art for Arthritis events and Walk to Cure Arthritis, then getting involved in the JA Family Summit. Experience with doctors, nurses and medicine fueled Jillian’s interest in a medical career. Volunteering with children with JA made her determined to work in pediatrics. Jillian is currently a freshman at Texas Tech University, pursuing a biology degree and aiming for medical school.

Lily L., Wisconsin: Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 6, Lily grew up watching her twin play sports and have fun while she struggled to find a medication that would control her disease. But in high school, Lily found a love for band and academics and a place where she fit in. She also started volunteering, and she now serves as a member of the Arthritis Foundation’s Wisconsin board of directors for Walk to Cure Arthritis, as an honoree for the Walk and Jingle Bell Run, as a spokesperson for arthritis on TV news shows, and helping plan JA family days and more. She and her parents continue to be valued mentors for other JA families. Lily has discovered that her love of puzzle-solving dovetails with her love for mathematics and computer science. She is studying at Marquette University, where a PhD student showed her how her skills with math and data science could be used in arthritis research — a goal she hopes to pursue.

Marin M., Indiana: Marin describes her JA as a shadow that isn’t always on her mind but is always present. Diagnosed just before turning 2 years old, Marin resented her arthritis for keeping her from cheerleading and playing tennis. But in high school, she got involved with the Arthritis Foundation and started meeting others with similar challenges who showed her how to live well with arthritis. As a Jingle Bell Run honoree and volunteer for numerous Walk to Cure Arthritis and other events, Marin saw how she could connect and help others with arthritis. Now, she is on the planning committee for Indiana’s annual Jingle Bell Run, her local JA committee and an active participant in the Foundation. Marin, valedictorian of her high school class, is studying at Miami University in Ohio, majoring in biology and pre-health, with a goal of becoming a pediatric genetic counselor.

Katelyn M., Iowa: As an avid runner and dancer, it wasn’t so surprising that Katelyn had plenty of aches and pain as a child. It wasn’t until she took a break from her activities at age 17 that her joint symptoms worsened, accompanied by fevers. She was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and then with undifferentiated arthritis. She struggled with anxiety and loneliness, and her experience led her to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology at the University of Montana. She has volunteered at the JA camp in Minnesota for eight years, and she’s developing an education curriculum for all JA camps. A member of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance, she plans to pursue a fellowship in adolescent health, and then to work in research, teaching and practicing in an academic medical setting. Her focus is to spread awareness of JA and eating disorders, and to help expand mental health services, especially in under-served areas.

Macy C., California: Macy was diagnosed with JA at 18 months old and spent years in physical and mental pain, missing out on school and fun for doctor appointments and sick days. It took nearly 10 years before finding a medication that worked for her. She started swimming competitively and was recruited to swim for the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where she plans to pursue a medical career. She wants to become a doctor like her own, “who empowers patients not just by treating them, but by helping them feel seen and supported.” Macy and her Walk to Cure Arthritis team have raised over $250,000, and she has organized events and shared her story as an Advocate with audiences and individuals — efforts that she is passionate about and plans to continue.

Quinn W., Ohio: Diagnosed at age 2 with JA, Quinn struggled physically and mentally as a child and teenager, striving to stay active despite pain and injuries. It was traumatic, but it also helped her build resilience and empathy. She grew up in doctors’ offices and hospitals — places where she now feels comfortable because of the kindness she received there. She is a pre-medical student majoring in neuroscience at Case Western Reserve University and a member of the rowing team. Her mind is set on a career as a rheumatology or ophthalmology physician-scientist. As a child, she found other kids with JA through Arthritis Foundation events, and she and her family have continued their involvement and support. She has been an honoree for Jingle Bell Run and Walk to Cure Arthritis, a JA camp counselor, a volunteer for numerous events and is an active Advocate.

Taya J., Arizona: Diagnosed at 1 year old with JA, Taya developed a passion for dance despite her arthritis, and she has found modifications so she can keep dancing. She now not only dances competitively, but she also teaches dance, has created dance camps for fundraisers and taught dance as a counselor at a JA camp this year. She is studying at Brigham Young University and plans to become a pediatric occupational therapist. A longtime supporter of the Arthritis Foundation, Taya and her family have an annual Walk to Cure Arthritis team. They have also spoken to lawmakers as Advocates, and Taya has shared her story to help individuals. She hopes to continue supporting the arthritis community by forming a club at college for students with autoimmune diseases.

Taylor V., South Dakota: When he was 9 years old, four words changed Taylor’s life: polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. That began the cycles of medications and side effects, the days travelling to and from distant rheumatology offices, and the 504 plans that made him stand out at school. Arthritis also has fostered his strength, resilience and perseverance. Taylor now serves on the Arthritis Foundation’s South Dakota local leadership board, is chair of the Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run and remains active in nearly every Foundation event in the area. When COVID threatened the Foundation’s local presence, Taylor and his peers stepped up to keep the cause urgent. Now pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs at Indiana University, Taylor plans to help shape policy and advocate for change through nonprofit organizations.

Tia B., California: Tia’s younger life revolved around competitive figure skating. She is a U.S. Figure Skating triple gold medalist, eight-time Pacific Coast synchronized skating champion and five-time national finalist. As a sophomore in high school, she developed fever, nausea and joint pain, and a hospital stay revealed why she had had back pain, fractures and exhaustion over the years: juvenile ankylosing spondylitis and a rare genetic variant. The diagnosis ended her skating career but fueled her drive to learn more about her conditions. She completed college courses in molecular engineering and public health and was accepted into a medical science program at King’s College in London. Now at UCLA, she has been reviewing what little research exists on the genetic variant and she is collaborating with professors at UCLA and the University College London to expand the research. After finding the Arthritis Foundation in her search for ankylosing spondylitis information, she quickly became an active Advocate and is working to establish a free skating program for kids with JA.

The 2026-27 Arthritis Champions Scholarships application process will open in early January 2026. This program is generously funded by the Walter J. and Kathryn M. Winterhoff Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Dr. Smriti Bardhan College Scholarship Fund.