2023 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

Sonia Manocha, MD
Division of Rheumatology
Allegheny Health Network
Medical Honoree

Sonia Manocha, MD is a faculty member to the Division of Rheumatology at the Allegheny Health Network.

Sonia is a native of Pittsburgh. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine. She completed an internal medicine residency at Hahnemann Hospital/ Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA and completed her fellowship in rheumatology at Case Western Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, OH. Sonia had the distinction to be honored with the prestigious Aadel Askari Memorial Award which is presented to one rheumatology fellow each year that exemplifies the humane values of warmth, compassion and caring for other people.

Jeanine McGuire
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree

Jeanine was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 14. She knew something was wrong when she started having swelling in her knee. As a teenager she went from managing her social calendar to doctor appointments and an incurable chronic illness. By graduation, her arthritis had spread to over 5 joints affecting her hands, knees, ankles, and feet and needed weekly injections. She finished college as a two-sport athlete in soccer and cross-country. She still competes in endurance events and is currently training with hopes of earning a spot on Team USA for World Triathlon Championships.

She has been involved with the Arthritis Foundation in many different capacities and is currently on the Western PA local Leadership Board and is serving her second year in a row as a Co-Chair for the Walk to Cure Arthritis.

For Jeanine, staying active, even walking, truly helps manage her disease. Having met so many amazing auto-immune warriors over the years, she is constantly inspired to do more and raise awareness for the nation’s leading cause of disability.

Sophia Trombetta
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree

In November 2020, Sophia started showing what physicians would say are common signs of a virus (spreading rash, high fevers, body pain). After many failed medical visits, she was admitted into Children’s. In January 2021, Sophia was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). SJIA is a rare auto inflammatory disease that attacks joints and organs. Despite research efforts, the cause of SJIA is still unknown leaving patients and families uncertain about the future.

Sophia has been on a variety of medications to control her systemic features, like the rash and fever, as well as medications to control arthritis. Her systemic features are under control at this point, but the arthritis is very persistent. She goes to physical therapy and occupational therapy weekly, has home injections, and a monthly infusion to support her condition.