Julie Jankiewicz
Osteoarthritis &
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree
 Julie was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2016 after she thought she had broken her foot. Five years later she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). She knew the symptoms all too well – swollen and aching hands – because her daughter had previously been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. This knowledge also helped her navigate her husband through an RA diagnosis.
When not volunteering, Julie works at the consignment shop she owns, plays with her dogs, and likes to travel. As the adult honoree, Julie hopes to help raise awareness so that more people can join the fight to conquer arthritis. Join or support Julie and her team, Inflammation Sensations, on her personal fundraising page. |
Early in her arthritis journey, Emmy struggled to play sports and walk because of stiffness in her joints. After trying many medications, she has found a treatment that allows her to do the things she loves – including rollerblading, lacrosse, and swimming. Emmy is a college freshman studying chemistry and psychology and hopes to one day treat patients, whether as a nurse, PA, or doctor. She enjoys being part of a community who are similar to her, and she wants to give people hope that one day (if not already) that they will be pain free.
Elliana doesn’t like to let her arthritis stop her from doing the things she likes – singing, dancing, spending time outside, and playing with friends. She is also proud that she has learned to swim since her diagnosis. Eliana aspires to work at an animal shelter, and her hope is for a world make of candy. Her mom wants a cure for arthritis and for Elliana to live flare free and without the pain of arthritis.