2019 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Dr. David Kung
Austin Regional Clinic
Medical Honoree

Dr. Kung chose rheumatology as a specialty because it allows him to treat a wide range of people of all ages, and to follow and help them through the rest of their lives. Often rheumatological disease can be very debilitating and Dr. Kung finds it rewarding to see the change he and his team are able to make in their lives. He believes in having meaningful conversations to develop insight into his patients’ understanding of their condition, their needs and priorities, as well as consider possible limitations or cultural considerations. Developing lasting patient-physician relationships ultimately helps Dr. Kung facilitate a deeper understanding of their condition and helps him navigate the sometimes confusing treatment options so each can choose the best evidence-based treatment that fits his or her needs.

Nikki Willison
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lupus
Adult Honoree

Nikki is a 35-year-old native Texan, coffee snob, and arthritis warrior. She is a Research Associate in University Advancement at her alma mater, Texas State University, in San Marcos. At the age of 33, after more than a decade searching for answers, Nikki was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Having been a competitive athlete in 7 different sports over 14 years, learning to slow down wasn't something that came easy. Nikki found herself unable to do the most simple tasks, but her biggest challenge was grasping the profound impact that chronic pain had on her mental health.

Shortly after receiving her arthritis diagnosis, Nikki was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Nikki learned quickly that addressing the mental aspect was just as important as addressing the physical symptoms. One in 5 US adults with arthritis has symptoms of anxiety or depression with symptoms occuring twice as often in adults with arthritis as in adults without.

Nikki shares her experience to bring awareness and create community for the more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children living with arthritis, as well as those yet to receive their diagnoses.

Join Kikki in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today!

Madelyn  Sudduth
Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis
Teen Honoree


Madelyn Sudduth has lived an active life in Texas!  At 10 years old, she began playing tennis and soon became very competitive.  By her 9th grade year, she was playing at a champ level and was a starter on the varsity tennis team.  One month before Maddy’s 15th birthday, she was diagnosed with seropositive, polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis.  While still playing some tennis, Maddy has shifted her focus to art, photography, National Honor Society and arthritis awareness.  She now holds fundraisers in Lubbock, where she and her family live, for the Austin Jingle Bell run!

Maddy is one of 300,000 children in the US with a rheumatic disease.  She now is on several oral medications and a biologic infusion to keep her symptoms at bay.  Maddy advocates for children to increase awareness and promote positive self care focusing on medication, exercise, and healthy eating.

“I now have another title behind my name: RA Warrior!  I will take this title and fight for a cure with my fellow warriors!”

Join Maddy in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today!

Reese Caudle
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Child Honoree

Reese is a brave 5 year old girl, who was diagnosed with JIA in June of 2019. She is as tough as it gets! In fact, so tough - her mom and dad actually had no clue she had arthritis (and will be forever thankful to Dr Carrasco for noticing some very subtle swelling). 

Reese is hilarious and LOVES to show people how tough she is. She hands her arm over for blood draws with a smile, makes her dad dance (usually requests that he ‘Floss’) during her two injections every Friday night, and don’t you dare try to tell her she needs sedation for an MRI because she will just be itching to show you she can do it! Reese’s mom and dad feel like the luckiest people on the planet to be her parents and just know that she is a future world-changer. 

 

Berlin Kuykendall-Morrison
Canine Osteoarthritis
Canine Honoree

Berlin Kuykendall-Morrison was born May 9, 2016. Two short years later, he was diagnosed with canine osteoarthritis and had knee surgery in May 2018. For joint health, Berlin enjoys Victor Purpose Performance food with glucosamine and chondroitin and he takes a anti-inflammatory daily.
Berlin loves playing with his stuffed toys, but his favorite "hobby" is snuggly cuddles. He knows many tricks and has the most precious demeanor. He's a talker and even knows how to say "I love you!"