Kristen Gautier
Psoriatic Arthritis
Adult Honoree
 Kristen Gautier, a wife and mother of two awesome little boys, is a school counselor in Jackson, Missouri. She was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. She first started experiencing symptoms about three years ago. After examining the timeline, she realized it was likely something she had dealt with most of her life undiagnosed. The symptoms were sudden and severe but was told at the time it was due to pregnancy. The symptoms went away about a month after her son was born but returned more severe this time. She was unable to take care of herself or her child independently. This was the first time she saw a rheumatologist to investigate options and treatment plans. Currently on medication with occasional flare ups, Kristen is learning more about this disease and how to best navigate this new normal.
|
Sandy Duncan is manager of Health and Wellness Services for Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where she has worked for over 27 years. She manages Fitness Plus which has proudly sponsored and hosted the Jingle Bell Run since 2008. She is a certified exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine and is a fellow with the Medical Fitness Association. She enjoys running and spending time with her friends and family. She taught Arthritis Aquatics for over 20 years and especially loves assisting with the Jingle Bell Run because it helps so many that suffer from arthritis.
Dr. Edwards is a board certified orthopedic surgeon practicing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri since 2007. He received his medical degree from The University of Missouri in Columbia in 1997. He completed his residency in Orthopedics in 2002 and competed his training with a Sports Medicine Fellowship in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2003. Dr. Edwards continues to treat all ages of patients. Although fellowship trained in Sports Medicine he treats many patients medically and surgically for arthritis.