2019 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

Mary Radia, DO
Iowa Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center
Medical Honoree


Dr. Mary Radia is a life-long resident of Des Moines and has been taking care of patients with rheumatologic illnesses in Des Moines since 1986. She joined the Iowa Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center in 2003 and specializes in treating patients who have fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Radia earned her Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy at Drake University and her medical degree from Des Moines University. She received her internal medicine training as a resident at Iowa Methodist Medical Center and the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Des Moines. She completed her rheumatology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Dr. Radia is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and the Rheumatology Association of Iowa. She is certified by the International Society of Clinical Densitometry. Also, Dr. Radia is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is also an adjunct faculty member for the Mercy residency program and Des Moines University.

Away from the clinic, Dr. Radia, with her husband Suku, are very active civic leaders in the Des Moines community. They have three adult children, one who lives in Washington, D.C., and two others who are pursuing higher education degrees in Los Angeles and New York City. Dr. Radia also enjoys her hobbies, which include gardening, reading and traveling.

Join Dr. Radia in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today!


Tim Fitzgerald
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree

Tim Fitzgerald started his journey with arthritis when he was 9 years old. At the time he had a stiff neck, swollen knee, and he couldn’t get out of bed. After a few days of staying in bed, a trip to the doctor was in order. Immediately they thought he had spinal meningitis, so a spinal tap was ordered. Before they could do the test, his family doctor walked into the room. The doctor took one look at Tim and said, “He’s got arthritis” and walked out. So the journey began. Officially it was juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, eventually becoming rheumatoid arthritis.

From his time in the hospital over 30 years ago, Tim has seen the progression of medicine, recognition, and treatment of arthritis. When he was first diagnosed, the doctors treated his symptoms with baby aspirin because he couldn’t swallow pills. He has taken most of the “new” drugs as they’ve come to market. Tim is very thankful for the advances in medicine that have kept his symptoms and joint destruction to a minimum.

Tim first participated in the Walk to Cure Arthritis in 2002 and continues to walk to raise awareness, dispel the myth that it is just an old person’s disease, and more importantly, to find a cure so others don’t have to go through what he or anyone else has. “I consider myself very lucky when it comes to my disease,” he said. “I can enjoy many outdoor activities and don’t let my disease stop me from doing the things I enjoy.”

Tim and his wife Monica live in Urbandale with their dog Cosmo, and he is a successful business owner. His one piece of advice for anyone with arthritis is, “Stay positive even in the times it hurts to get out of bed because you can do anything you want.”

Join Tim in his fight against arthritis, register or donate today!


Jalyn Stedman
Juvenile Arthritis
Youth Honoree

In 2017, Jalyn began to have pain in her knees. It was during volleyball season, so it was chalked-up to her play-hard mentality. However, it seemed to be getting worse as Thanksgiving approached. She was taken to the family doctor and told that it was normal growing pains for a 12-year-old. As Christmas neared, Jalyn was struggling getting out of bed in the mornings and crying at night from constant pain.

Jalyn went to physical therapy multiple times a week and gritted through the pain. The loving little girl that was known as “Smiley” by many of her volleyball and softball teammates was no longer all smiles, and her carefree spirit was slipping away. Jalyn very frequently was told to suck it up and to work harder as her 13th birthday came and went. Jalyn was sad, angry, and she just wanted the pain to stop.

Jalyn was taken to a doctor specializing in sports medicine. He took x-rays and blood work and told her that they were going to figure this out. When the blood work returned, Jalyn was diagnosed with arthritis.

It’s been just over a year since Jalyn’s diagnosis. She still isn’t pain free, and she currently has arthritis in her knees, ankles, fingers and jaw. Her doctor continues to try new treatments and she is 90% better. Until she is pain free, she can’t play softball or volleyball, so she has been supporting her teammates as the manager of the teams. She also has met lots of new friends and is finding new things she loves to do like fishing, riding her 4-wheeler and playing with her pets: Wrigley (dog), Sushi (fish), and Jack & Gus (guinea pigs).

Jalyn is excited to be the youth honoree this year and advocates for kids to get diagnosed sooner! Join Jalyn in her fight against arthritis, register or donate today!