Nitasha Kumar MD
Medical Honoree
 

Dr. Nitasha Kumar is a native of the DC Metro Area and is a practicing Rheumatologist at Arthritis and Rheumatism Associates in Wheaton, MD. Dr. Kumar earned her earned her undergraduate degree in neurobiology and physiology at the University of Maryland, College Park. After medical school and Internal Medicine residency, she completed her Rheumatology fellowship at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in Louisiana.

"I am excited to participate in the Jingle Bell Run this year with the Arthritis Foundation as they have been champions in furthering research, raising awareness, and providing valuable resources to patients."

To support Dr. Kumar or join her team, visit her page here.

Dr. Yodit Tefera
Regenerative Medicine Honoree

Dr. Yodit Tefera is a specialist in Sports Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She completed her residency training at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia and Cornell. During residency she received the Distinguished Housestaff Award for her exemplary service and was selected as chief resident of the Cornell campus.

She completed an ACGME-accredited Sports Medicine fellowship at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, WA that included high level and exceptional training in musculoskeletal and regenerative medicine, as well as diagnostic and interventional ultrasound procedures. Throughout her medical training, she worked with various levels of individuals ranging from high school to professional athletes.

Kamri Coates
Lupus
Honoree

My name is Kamri Coates I am 23 years old and I have Lupus. I was initially diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease when I was 15. It was a very depressing transition for me, but my family and friends were there every step of the way. A few years passed and my disease progressed, I was then diagnosed with Lupus. After I graduated high school is when I started to become more comfortable and open with my disease. I began posting pictures and videos of my hair loss and journey. Once I realized how much of an impact it had on others, I knew I had to continue. Currently I am working towards a Non-profit that will bring awareness to these terrible diseases and help children financially, physically, and mentally

To support Kamri, or join her team, visit her page here.

Emma
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Child Honoree

At six years old, Emma was an energetic young dancer, until she began complaining of stiffness and pain in her knee.  As summer rolled around, Emma’s knee became visibly swollen and continued to cause her pain. After many tests, doctor visits, biopsies, and imaging, Emma was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Emma has been fortunate that her condition has not required extensive treatments with harsh medications, and she is now enjoying being in remission! At nearly 12 years old, Emma still loves to twirl and dance her way through just about everything. Though she no longer dances with her dance company, she has taken up lacrosse.

To support Emma, or join her team, visit her page here.