Sherry Savastio
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree
 Sherry was always very active and loved sports her whole life until early 2012, when stairs became difficult to handle and her wrists and fingers were always aching and swollen. After visiting the doctors to have her knees checked out, they ran some blood work, which came back positive with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Sherry’s life made a complete u-turn. Immediately she started seeing a rheumatologist and then moved on to a naturopathic doctor. Taking supplements and eating properly has helped with the inflammation which in turn alleviates pain.. Sherry’s son pushed her to join a gym and she tries to get there each week on the incumbent bike and while her knees are painful the next day she keeps going. That can also be said for her love to walk on the beach. While sometimes she has to push herself to go once she’s there, off she goes but of course tries not to overdo it. She continues to have days where pain is worse such as incoming storms and humidity. This disease tries to slow Sherry down, but she takes charge and will not let RA rule her life. To support Sherry, please visit her fundraising page today! |
Roslynn Constant
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 Roslynn (aka Rozzy) was just over 2 years old. While playing one day, her parents noticed Roslynn was limping, and her knee was significantly swollen. Living in Eastern Connecticut and often being outside, they originally assumed Lyme disease. Easy diagnosis, easy treatment...but oh, were they ever so wrong. After blood work, x-rays and failed treatments, Roslynn’s pediatrician sent them to see a rheumatologist. That is when they received the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, otherwise known as JIA.
Following that diagnosis came more blood work, x-rays, eye exams, ultrasounds, and failed treatments. They then decided to bring Roslynn to Boston Children's Hospital for a second opinion, where they now reside care. The amazing Dr. Fatma Dedeoglu took their family under her wing, and has taught them so much about arthritis...a disease they never thought could affect the life of someone so young, both medically and mentally. While Roslynn is responding well to her low dose chemo, the family is patiently awaiting the amazing words of "medicated remission". They hope to hear that phrase in the future, or better yet "cured". Through Roslynn's four short years of life, she has endured so many obstacles, yet always remains smiling and rarely complains. From frequent doctor visits, blood work, injections, daily medications, medication side effects, frequent eye exams, she remains strong-willed and a true fighter. Roslynn’s parents are lucky that Roslynn remains so active. Despite the pain and swelling, she continues to run, jump and participate in all of the activities she enjoys, and is slowly learning self limitation. Roslynn loves swimming, riding her bike and scooter, participating in gymnastics, basketball and soccer. Arthritis may try to slow her down, but if there is one person to show this disease who's boss, it's Roslynn. To support Roslynn, please visit her fundraising page today! |
Ann Wrynn and Tegan Willard are thrilled to accept the honor of becoming 2019’s Medical Honorees for the Greater Hartford Walk to Cure Arthritis. Both nurses have been working in the Rheumatology Department at Connecticut Children's Medical Center since 2011. Ann came to Rheumatology by way of the Pediatric ICU and has been enjoying her experience with the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) community ever since. She loves teaching patients and families and supporting them on their journey. Tegan was formerly a United States Navy nurse. She loves working with kids and finding ways to make their chronic illnesses seem less daunting.
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