2019 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Dr. Raul Gosthe
Orthopedics
Medical Honoree


Raúl Gösthe, MD, is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon fellowship-trained in Adult Reconstruction, specializing in both minimally invasive techniques to hip and knee replacements as well as complex cases and revisions at Holy Cross Hospital.  Dr. Gösthe graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in physiology and kinesiology and later received his medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital serving as an orthopaedic surgery chief resident before completing a fellowship in Adult Joint Reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic in Weston. Dr. Gösthe has published research and presented extensively at Orthopedic conferences on various topics within the scope of hip and knee replacements.  He is fluent in English, Spanish and conversational in German.

Please support Dr. Raul Gosthe and his team Holy Cross Orthopedics!

Zachary Mandic
Juvenile Arthritis
Youth Honoree


Zachary’s journey with JRA has been full of peaks and valleys since his diagnosis in August of 2017 at the age of 4. Just this past October, he was doing so well that his rheumatologist told his family he was on the path to medical remission – news that his family shared with us in December. Just when his family thought they were in the clear, two months later, Zach was back to being stiff and swollen. Only this time, it was in his neck as well. Another visit to the rheumatologist gave us the news that not only was he having a flare-up, but it had spread to his neck.  As parents said “we were heartbroken and felt defeated because he was doing so well. But sometimes, that’s just how it goes with this disease. One step forward, two steps back.” A few months ago, Zach was happily running around. He’s still happy and running, albeit at a much slower and stiffer pace. His mother Laura shared “Lately our days are spent arguing with him to eat his veggies and sneaking turmeric into homemade popsicles that are full of anti-inflammatory fruits.”

Zach’s family helps him find relief by massaging his achy joints and running extra warm showers when he’s in pain. Laura said “Right now, we are in a valley with Zach. It’s the biggest one we’ve faced so far but I am hopeful we will peak again. I want to be able to look back at this time and marvel at how far he’s come, how much stronger he is. And I am confident we will get there. In the meantime, we will continue to take it day by day”.

Please support Zachary and his team Zach Attack!