Recognizing Outstanding Leadership in the JA Community 

By Tony Williams | July 22, 2026 

The Arthritis Foundation’s annual JA Family Summit is a unique gathering where children with juvenile arthritis (JA) and other childhood rheumatic diseases, along with their families, come together to learn, connect and have fun. Through educational sessions, shared experiences and meaningful conversations, attendees find encouragement, resources and a supportive community. 

During the JA Family Summit, the Foundation also celebrates individuals who go above and beyond in service to the JA community. This year’s leadership awards recognized a diverse group of youth leaders, family advocates, healthcare professionals and volunteers whose efforts continue to make a positive difference. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2026 honorees and our gratitude for their ongoing commitment to improving the lives of children and families affected by JA. 

Arthritis Foundation Earl Brewer Award for Physician Leadership  

The Earl Brewer Award for Physician Leadership is presented to a physician directly involved in patient care who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to JA fundraising events and activities, and who is a strong advocate for children with JA and other rheumatic diseases. 

Johanna Chang, MD, of San Diego, California, was the recipient of this award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication to pediatric rheumatology and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children living with rheumatic diseases. 

As clinical chief of pediatric rheumatology at Rady Children’s Hospital, program director of the UC San Diego Pediatric Rheumatology Fellowship and clinical professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego, Dr. Chang combines clinical excellence with a passion for mentoring future physicians and advancing patient care. 

Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Chang has made a lasting impact through her leadership with the Arthritis Foundation. As chair of the San Diego local leadership board, she has strengthened community partnerships, expanded volunteer engagement and championed innovative programs that address the evolving needs of patients and families. She spearheaded the creation of the annual Juvenile Arthritis Transitions Education Day, equipping young adults with the knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate the transition to adult care. 

A dedicated advocate both inside and outside the clinic, Dr. Chang actively supports fundraising and awareness initiatives, including leading a Jingle Bell Run team, encouraging patient and family participation, and fostering collaboration between healthcare providers and the Arthritis Foundation. Through her compassionate leadership, commitment to education and vision for the future of pediatric rheumatology, Dr. Chang continues to inspire hope and create meaningful change for children and families throughout the San Diego community and beyond. 

Arthritis Foundation Patty Rettig Award for Healthcare Professional Leadership 

The Patty Rettig Award for Healthcare Professional Leadership is presented to a healthcare professional dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of youth and their families affected by JA. 

Clare Peckenpaugh, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was the recipient of this award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, compassionate patient care and steadfast dedication to children with rheumatic diseases. Living with arthritis herself, Clare has transformed her personal experience into a lifelong commitment to supporting patients and families through both her professional career and volunteer service. 

As a research nurse in the rheumatology department at Primary Children’s Hospital, Clare advances pediatric rheumatology care by supporting clinical research while building meaningful relationships with patients and their families. Beyond the clinic, she has been a driving force within the Arthritis Foundation since 2018, serving in leadership roles as a network leader, local leadership board member, camp director and event co-chair. 

Clare’s impact extends across fundraising, advocacy and youth engagement. She has co-chaired the Walk to Cure Juvenile Arthritis, consistently ranked among the top Jingle Bell Run fundraisers and led Camp KODA through both virtual and in-person experiences, mentoring volunteers and creating opportunities for children to build confidence, friendships and resilience. 

By bridging the worlds of healthcare and community support, Clare continues to strengthen connections among families, providers and the Arthritis Foundation, ensuring that every child living with a rheumatic disease has access to hope, resources and a community that understands. 

Arthritis Foundation Parent Leadership Award 

The Parent Leadership Award is presented to a parent who embodies the spirit of Yes with their voice and actions by leading families and encouraging them to join our community of champions. This award honors a parent who has shown exceptional courage and strength in leading through the struggles of living with JA, generously shared their time and talents by serving in leadership roles within the Foundation and supported their local community through fundraising events, volunteer opportunities or other JA activities. 

Bree Fredrickson, of Yorktown, Virginia, was the recipient of this award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, advocacy and staunch commitment to the juvenile arthritis community. Inspired by her daughter, Tenley, who lives with juvenile arthritis and uveitis, Bree has transformed her family’s journey into a mission to ensure that no child or parent faces arthritis alone. 

A dedicated volunteer for more than a decade, Bree has served as the Newport News Jingle Bell Run chair for the past four years, led the nationally recognized Tenley’s Troopers fundraising team and played an integral role in planning multiple JA Family Summits. 

This year, she and her husband, Fritz, served as co-chairs of the Summit, further demonstrating their shared commitment to supporting families and strengthening the juvenile arthritis community. Bree has also shared her expertise with families across the country through presentations on fundraising, team building and volunteer engagement. 

Driven by the hope of creating a brighter future for Tenley and all children living with childhood rheumatic diseases, Bree is a passionate advocate who raises awareness through community events, media appearances and mentorship of newly diagnosed families while fostering a strong culture of service within her own family. 

Through her compassionate leadership, tireless volunteerism and dedication to building connection and belonging, Bree continues to make a lasting impact on the Arthritis Foundation and the families we serve. 

Arthritis Foundation Dawn Hafeli Youth Leadership Award 

The Dawn Hafeli Youth Leadership Award is presented to a youth champion who has shown immense strength, resilience and determination in the face of juvenile arthritis. The award honors a youth who has demonstrated leadership by volunteering their time and talents to benefit other young people living with JA and supported the Arthritis Foundation in their local community through fundraising events, volunteer opportunities or other JA activities. 

Harper C., of Antioch, Illinois, was the recipient of this award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion, courage and commitment to supporting other children living with juvenile arthritis. 

Inspired by her own journey, Harper founded Harper’s Hope and Healing Foundation, where she created Injection Comfort Kits to help ease the fear and uncertainty that many young patients experience during treatment. She also donates toys, games and art supplies to hospitals, bringing comfort and joy to children during difficult times. 

Despite facing her own challenges, including surgery related to juvenile idiopathic arthritis and stepping away from the figure skating she loves, Harper continues to lead with empathy and determination. She supports her teammates, gives back to the Arthritis Foundation community through volunteer efforts and uses her story to inspire hope and connection for other families. 

Through her selfless spirit and enduring dedication to helping others, Harper demonstrates that true leadership comes from turning personal challenges into opportunities to make a lasting difference. 

Arthritis Foundation Young Adult Leadership Award 

The Young Adult Leadership Award is presented to a young adult who embodies the spirit of Yes with their voice and actions. This award recognizes a young adult, aged 18 to 25, who has shown exceptional courage and strength in their own experience of living with arthritis or a related rheumatic disease, demonstrated leadership by volunteering their time and talents to benefit others living with arthritis, and supported the Arthritis Foundation in their local community through fundraising events, volunteer opportunities or other activities. 

Quinn Watercutter, of Cleveland, Ohio, was the recipient of this award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, advocacy and dedication to the arthritis community. Living with juvenile arthritis herself, Quinn has transformed her personal journey into a lifelong commitment to supporting others, using her experiences to inspire hope, educate future healthcare professionals and empower families navigating similar challenges. 

A passionate volunteer and advocate, Quinn has contributed to nearly every major Arthritis Foundation initiative in her region, including serving as a national virtual JA camp volunteer, volunteering at her local Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run events, speaking on medical student panels, facilitating patient education events and mentoring newly diagnosed young adults. 

Quinn has also represented the Arthritis Foundation in the media and was honored as the Jingle Bell Run young adult honoree. Her outstanding leadership and service earned her the Arthritis Champions Scholarship for two consecutive academic years. 

Whether comforting a newly diagnosed family, encouraging a young athlete to pursue their dreams despite arthritis or sharing her story with medical students and community members, Quinn leads with empathy, authenticity and purpose. Through her unshakable commitment to advocacy and service, she continues to make a meaningful difference and exemplifies the power of turning lived experience into lasting impact for the arthritis community.