Chirag J. Patel, MD, FACS
Ophthalmologist
Medical Honoree
 Chirag J. Patel, MD, FACS Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Ophthalmologist With roots in the small central Florida town of Fruitland Park, Chirag J. Patel, MD, FACS, developed a passion for people and the community at an early age. Chirag, a first-generation Indian-American, learned life’s most important lessons from his parents, who operated a local business in the small town. Day in and day out, Chirag admired his father’s ability to connect with his customers, neighbors, and community; his father still values those relationships to this day. The ability to help people and develop long-lasting relationships was a strong impetus for Chirag’s pursuit of medicine. Dr. Patel has always had a thirst for knowledge and excelled academically. Upon graduating as Valedictorian of Leesburg High School, Chirag continued his journey at the University of Florida.
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Mr. Peck began his career in the financial industry as a licensed financial planner working with a broker in Las Vegas. After a move to Florida, he continued to work with clients in achieving their goal of home ownership as a loan officer. During this time that he began to specialize in construction loans and work for JPMorgan Chase in the Construction lending division. Later, he had the opportunity to become a Loan Operations Manager with a local Florida bank and learned the back end operations, servicing and escrow planning aspects of lending. Mr. Peck is proud to be serving as Corporate Chair for the Orlando Jingle Bell Run and supporting the arthritis community in Central Florida.
Dr. Fitch is a board certified rheumatologist who has been practicing with a multi-specialty group, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, since 2002. She received her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1997 and completed her rheumatology fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in 2002. She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology. Dr. Fitch is proud to be serving as one of our 2023 Jingle Bell Run Medical Honorees in Orlando in support of the mission of the Arthritis Foundation and the arthritis community.
Juanita was an exceptional care giver to those around her. She was a devoted wife, mother and loyal friend to all who knew her. She was strong willed, an avid reader, enjoyed action-packed movies and loved her family fiercely. Juanita was passionate about education and served a teacher for over 40 years. After years of living with debilitating pain, she was eventually diagnosed with RA. She struggled with pain every day of her life yet refused to retire and continued to care for others.
Rebecca was diagnosed with axial spondylarthritis in 2022 at the age of 25. Arthritis wasn’t an uncommon word for her, but she never thought she would have it. Rebecca's grandmother suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since she was little. After her diagnosis, she knew she wanted to advocate for others just like her; dealing with daily pain from this disease. "This organization is important to me as it represents I’m not alone. I am participating not only for me but in honor of my grandma, Sandy. I know she would be my #1 supporter if she were still here." Rebecca is honored to be the Jingle Bell Run Adult Honoree this year.
Rorie is 12 years old and loves to play sports, draw, play video games, volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and spend time with her family and friends. A few years ago, Rorie had a fever that reached dangerous levels and she was hospitalized with a fever of unknown origin and a positive ANA. It wasn’t until a couple years later that she was playing soccer after having had Covid that her ankles swelled like balloons. Thinking it was related to Covid, she was given medicine and it went away. It returned a few weeks later, and was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Rorie decided that she was not going to let it change her life. She is taking all measures to keep active and pain free as possible. She is looking forward to attending Camp Boggy Creek and overnight camp for the very first time. Her goal is to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation to find a cure so other kids do not have to feel the pain.