Kristen McAllister
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus 
Legendary Honoree

Kristen McAllister (Kmac) has been a part of the Arthritis Foundation family since 2011 when she joined Jingle Bell Run as Kmac’s Crew and has raised a total of $88,000 to date for a cure for arthritis! Kmac is truly legendary and an inspiration to all by the way she exudes hope no matter her circumstances.

At age 10 Kmac was officially diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Arthritis, Uveitis, and Common Variable Immune Deficiency after suffering from frequent infections, fevers, rashes, mouth and nasal sores, joint stiffness, and pain. In 2015 she was hospitalized with Sepsis that triggered a deadly heart arrhythmia, and she unfortunately became paralyzed. Kmac now had Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. However, with the support of her family, medical team, and the Arthritis Foundation, she is still, 5 years later, fighting to walk again and uses a wheelchair as her main source of mobility. Kmac’s story is still unfolding.

Dr. Christy Park
Rheumatologist Honoree

Dr. Christy Park is a rheumatologist in Knoxville, TN and is affiliated with University of Tennessee Medical Center. She received her medical degree from University of Tennessee College of Medicine and has been in practice over 20 years. She specializes in rheumatoid arthritis & other rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Park has been the Jingle Bell Run Team Captain for Team UT Rheumatology for years and a true advocate for the arthritis foundation mission. This year, the Arthritis Foundation is proudly honoring Dr. Park for her remarkable work in the arthritis community and patient support.

Dr. Park invites you to join her Jingle Bell Run team, “Team UT Rheumatology” either by registering or donating and raise funds to help cure arthritis. Together we can make a difference in the lives of 54 million Americans.

Aleaha
System Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree

At the age of 4, Aleaha was diagnosed with System Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA). What started as a fever eventually turned into a rash, swollen joints, and pain in her wrist and knees. After a trip to Children’s Hospital and meeting with rheumatologist Dr. Brett Smith, Aleaha began her journey fighting SJIA.

Her treatment started with steroids and infusions of Actemra that were given every 2 weeks. She continued infusions for six months but then had a relapse of joint pain in her spine and knees. It was recommended by Dr. Smith that Aleaha switch to Ilaris, a monthly injection. Since changing her route of treatment, Aleaha has been acting like her normal self.

In the past couple of years, Aleaha has experienced minor flare-ups but is in better condition overall. “The Arthritis Foundation and doctors in East Tennessee have shown great support and care for our daughter. We are thankful for the information the Arthritis Foundation has provided us and strive to be the best parents we can be for a child with SJIA.” – Abby Williams, Aleaha’s Mom