Sadie
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 In April 2022, at just 20 months old, Sadie was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Before her diagnosis, Sadie was a happy, energetic toddler. However, she suddenly began experiencing severe pain, and after an extended fever and a swollen knee, doctors discovered she had a rare form of arthritis that affects not just the joints but also vital organs like the liver, lungs, and heart. SJIA, sometimes referred to as Still’s disease, can occur any time during childhood, but it most commonly starts at about two years of age. By this time Sadie could barely walk and was not able to rotate her head in any direction. Read More
Join or support Sadie and team, Sadie's Snowflakes on the starting line and make a real difference in the lives of those living with arthritis. |
Melanie Johnson Sheppard is an avid activist both socially and physically. She loves pushing her body to the fullest and speaking up for others in areas of justice. By becoming the Event Chair for the Jingle Bell Run she gets to combine these two passions along with her years of experience in event management to make a change.. While never having arthritis herself she advocates for many people in her family that have suffered with this miserable pain for years. She knows finding a cure for arthritis will allow this world to get a little bit more active and joyful and she is excited to be a part of that change.
Houstonian and U.S. Combat Army veteran, Joseph Washington is our 2024 Jingle Bell Run Veteran Honoree. Despite being diagnosed with osteoarthritis earlier this year, Joseph continues to Live Yes! by proving that with grit and determination, anything is possible. During his Jingle Bell Run Campaign, Joseph plans to spotlight the problem of veteran homelessness, while providing much needed mental and physical healthcare services for the nation’s most deserving citizens - those who serve/have served our country.