In the event of inclement weather, we will post any cancellations or postponements on our Facebook Page. We will also make every effort to contact all volunteers. Please DO NOT check the website, as we do not have the ability to update that in a timely fashion. Please direct any further questions to 402-262-0144 or 402-660-1680.
Anthony Hatcher D.O., CMD, FAAFP Hillcrest Health Services Corporate Chair
Anthony Hatcher, DO, is a board-certified family physician and the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Hillcrest Health Services. He received a Bachelor of Science from Truman State University, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Creighton University and became a USAF Flight Surgeon serving as the Chief of Aerospace Medicine stationed at Offutt AFB. Prior to joining Hillcrest Health Services in 2017, he spent more than 20 years working for Alegent /CHI Health as a practicing clinical physician. He also served on the CHI Health Board of Directors as well as the Chief Administrative Officer of CHI Health Clinic. He earned credentials as a Certified Medical Director and serves as medical director for several skilled facilities. He currently is a board member for the Arthritis Foundation
Jon Uggen, D.O. is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon fellowship trained in Adult Reconstruction/Total Joint Replacement Surgery. He has experience in the latest procedures including the less invasive/muscle-sparing anterior approach for total hip replacements, unicondylar knee arthroplasty (partial knee replacement), and complex total joint revisions. Dr. Uggen received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Michigan and received his medical degree from Midwestern University in Chicago. In medical school, he was awarded a fellowship with the New York Arthritis Foundation. There he performed research and received top national honors. Following medical school, he completed a five-year orthopedic surgery residency at Garden City Hospital, an affiliate of Michigan State University. Dr. Uggen joined MD West ONE March 2020, resulting in one of the largest teams of orthopedic, neurosurgery and spine specialists in the greater Omaha region.
Dr. Uggen is honored to serve as this year's Medical Honoree for Walk to Cure Arthritis Nebraska.
Emily Theis Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Young Adult Honoree
Emily was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at the age of 10, now at age 20, she is a nursing student at UNMC in Kearney and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. As a child, she was told the pain was merely growing pains until she was formally diagnosed at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. Emily says, “The Arthritis Foundation has helped me advocate for myself. After my diagnosis I went to Camp Spirit. There I met others who had arthritis, and knew I was not alone.” Emily volunteered to be an honoree because she wants to be a role model for other kids who are struggling and to let them know that things do get better.
Noelle Engstrom Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis JA Honoree
Noelle, age 3, was diagnosed two years ago after concerns with severe regression in her walking. With the help of her medical team, subcutaneous injections, and daily medications she can run, jump, and play like a normal 3-year-old, showing great strength and resiliency at an early age, she continues to maintain her fighting spirit. Being an honoree raises awareness for a disease that impacted her family’s lives in such a brief time. They pray her story inspires both those touched directly and indirectly by arthritis to pursue positivity and always walk with a smile!
Anthony Hatcher, DO, is a board-certified family physician and the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Hillcrest Health Services. He received a Bachelor of Science from Truman State University, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri, and a master’s degree in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Creighton University and became a USAF Flight Surgeon serving as the Chief of Aerospace Medicine stationed at Offutt AFB. Prior to joining Hillcrest Health Services in 2017, he spent more than 20 years working for Alegent /CHI Health as a practicing clinical physician. He also served on the CHI Health Board of Directors as well as the Chief Administrative Officer of CHI Health Clinic. He earned credentials as a Certified Medical Director and serves as medical director for several skilled facilities. He currently is a board member for the Arthritis Foundation
Jon Uggen, D.O. is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon fellowship trained in Adult Reconstruction/Total Joint Replacement Surgery. He has experience in the latest procedures including the less invasive/muscle-sparing anterior approach for total hip replacements, unicondylar knee arthroplasty (partial knee replacement), and complex total joint revisions. Dr. Uggen received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Michigan and received his medical degree from Midwestern University in Chicago. In medical school, he was awarded a fellowship with the New York Arthritis Foundation. There he performed research and received top national honors. Following medical school, he completed a five-year orthopedic surgery residency at Garden City Hospital, an affiliate of Michigan State University. Dr. Uggen joined MD West ONE March 2020, resulting in one of the largest teams of orthopedic, neurosurgery and spine specialists in the greater Omaha region.
Emily was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at the age of 10, now at age 20, she is a nursing student at UNMC in Kearney and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. As a child, she was told the pain was merely growing pains until she was formally diagnosed at Children’s Hospital in Omaha. Emily says, “The Arthritis Foundation has helped me advocate for myself. After my diagnosis I went to Camp Spirit. There I met others who had arthritis, and knew I was not alone.” Emily volunteered to be an honoree because she wants to be a role model for other kids who are struggling and to let them know that things do get better.
Noelle, age 3, was diagnosed two years ago after concerns with severe regression in her walking. With the help of her medical team, subcutaneous injections, and daily medications she can run, jump, and play like a normal 3-year-old, showing great strength and resiliency at an early age, she continues to maintain her fighting spirit. Being an honoree raises awareness for a disease that impacted her family’s lives in such a brief time. They pray her story inspires both those touched directly and indirectly by arthritis to pursue positivity and always walk with a smile!