David Kay, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center
Honorary Chair

Dr. Kay is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon, who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. He is a graduate of the Medical College of Ohio (Toledo). He served his residency at Akron General Medical Center and his fellowship in foot and ankle reconstruction at Wagner Institute at the University of Southern California. He is also a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Dr. Kay is affiliated with a number of professional orthopaedics organizations and has held several teaching appointments. Dr. Kay has been a physician since 1980 and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Carly Snyder
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree

Like many young athletes, when Carly Snyder woke up one morning at age 15 with wrist pain and swelling, she didn’t think much of it at first assuming she slept wrong or hurt it during soccer. Within a year, she had active Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in almost every joint in her body leaving her unable to perform daily tasks on her own. “I had no idea what it was or how my life would change,” said Carly. “I remember asking the doctor when I would be able to play sports again, I truly believed I could take medication and my life would go back to normal quickly.”

Since her diagnosis, Carly has taken many different forms of medication to manage her arthritis. “You name it, I’ve taken it!” said Carly. Some medications gave her intense side effects that she’s tried her best to forget, others provided relief but did not last. “With new medications, my goal has always been to take 6-12 months of treatment before making any decisions,” said Carly. “I co-execute my treatment plan with my rheumatologist whom I’ve been with for nearly 20 years. She takes all aspects of my life into consideration, all the external factors that impact my ability to fight, we work through them together, she really is the best.”

Carly’s hope for the future is plain and simple – no more pain. “It sounds cheesy, but I imagine the moment when someone says, ‘they’ve found a cure,’ just thinking that brings tears to my eyes,” said Carly.  Until that day comes, Carly doesn’t let her arthritis slow her down. From traveling the world to the beach on family vacations, reading and volunteering, she lives an active lifestyle. She also spends much of her time with her nieces and nephew teaching them that even in the face of adversity, they can overcome anything.

Carly has led Team Arthketeers for the Walk to Cure Arthritis for the past 15 years. What started small with just a few friends has grown into one of the event’s largest fundraising teams comprised of dozens of teammates. Carly also volunteers with the Arthritis Foundation every chance she gets and is an active member of the Walk to Cure Arthritis planning committee. When asked how she is a Champion of Yes, Carly says “I have so many reasons why! These reasons are tall, short, young and young at heart. These people have been fighting this disease along side me since the day I woke up with a swollen wrist, they inspire me to never give up, so I won’t!”

To support Carly by joining or donating to Team Arthketeers, click HERE. 

Peyton Domers
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree

Like most 8-year-olds, Peyton Domers enjoys being active with her friends, playing with her dog, and being outdoors.  From the outside, you would not be able to tell that Peyton has arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.  

At age 2, after what seemed like a normal toddler fall, Peyton’s knee swelled and suddenly she couldn’t walk.  Concerned, Peyton’s parents Nikki and Craig Domers took her to the emergency room, but the doctors could not find anything wrong.  After subsequent visits, they were directed to see a rheumatologist. At the appointment, Peyton was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

“We were scared,” said Nikki. “We had no idea that kids could get arthritis, too. We did a lot of research on the disease and its progression and treatment options. When Peyton was old enough to start asking questions about all the medications and why, we were finally able to explain the arthritis to her.”

In the years that followed, Peyton has been on several different types of biologic medications to manage her arthritis.  One of the medications made her terribly sick and induced fevers regularly, another burned so badly when injected that it became a battle for Nikki and Craig to give it to her.  For the past two years, Peyton has been on a medication that is finally working with minimal side effects. She also adjusted her diet to help reduce inflammation.

“Sometimes I can’t walk because it hurts too much,” said Peyton. “I can’t go to school when that happens. When I run or play too much, my arthritis makes my legs and heels hurt.” Despite the pain, Peyton tries not to let the arthritis slow her down.  In November 2018, she ran in the cross-country Race of America in Kentucky and placed third for girls. She’s determined to keep running and beat arthritis.

Through Peyton’s diagnosis, the Domers were introduced to the Arthritis Foundation and been active volunteers with the organization ever since.  As a family, they have been part of the Arthritis Foundation’s advocacy efforts on both the state and federal level for several years.  “We’re proud to be part of recent legislation that was passed into law enhancing patient access to medication,” said Nikki. “We fight alongside the Arthritis Foundation to protect our daughter and other patients.”

“My hope for other kids with arthritis is that they can hear my story and know they aren’t alone,” said Peyton.  “I hope they fight their arthritis like me by taking the medication, staying strong and being active by running and playing!” 

To join or donate to Peyton’s Walk to Cure Arthritis team, Peyton’s Porcupines, click here.

JoAnn Larsen
Fibromyalgia
Volunteer Honoree

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of volunteerism with the Arthritis Foundation for this year's Volunteer Honoree, JoAnn Larsen.  JoAnn is a local television producer for CBS 19 and was introduced to the Arthritis Foundation in 1989 after directing a telethon for the organization. Through the years, JoAnn has played an important role in growing many different Arthritis Foundation programs and events including the Red & White On Thursday Night strolling food and wine event still held annually in Akron, the local leadership board, local and national committees like the Public Awareness Committee and of course, the Walk to Cure Arthritis. After some time volunteering, JoAnn’s health began to decline and based on her symptoms, an Arthritis Foundation friend recommended she see a rheumatologist. JoAnn was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. “Coincidentally, we had just completed a PSA for the Arthritis Foundation about the more than 100 different forms of arthritis,” said JoAnn. “I remember thinking fibromyalgia was always one of the forms I could never pronounce correctly!”

By developing a plan with her doctor combined with exercising regularly, JoAnn has been able to manage her fibromyalgia over the years. “I have always enjoyed being active,” said JoAnn. “No one could believe it when I told them of my diagnosis because I’m always so active.” JoAnn channeled her love for exercise into helping to manage her arthritis. “I had to learn that I could no longer push myself to be as competitive as I was in the past, but that movement was so important to managing the disease,” said JoAnn. “My hope for others with arthritis is that they realize it is crucial to stay active and know your limits, the longer you don’t move the more it will hurt. Keep a positive attitude and it will not get the best of you!”