Dr. Mayur Kanjia
Pain Management Specialist
Medical Honoree

Dr. Mayur Kanjia is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist with Fellowship training in Pain Management.

Originally from New York he graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in Biomedical Engineering with Tau Beta Pi honors while also earning minors in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics. Dr. Kanjia then received his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and went on to complete his Anesthesiology Residency training there as well.

In order to further his expertise, Dr. Kanjia, completed a Fellowship at University of Cincinnati in Pain Management. Dr. Kanjia understands that when a person is in constant pain, every aspect of their day to day lives can be impacted. Without relief, pain can lead to the deterioration of a person’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Dr. Kanjia utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to treat patients with the
goal of reducing their pain, improving their quality of life and
increasing their activity levels.

In his spare time, Dr. Kanjia enjoys spending time with his
family, playing tennis, and watching football.

Dr. Kanjia looks forward to serving as the Medical Honoree at
this year’s Jingle Bell Run and hopes to raise $10,000 in honor
of his patients who have struggled with arthritis.

To join or donate to Dr. Mayur Kanjia team click here. 

Diana Tavera
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree

Diana was 25 years old when she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. At the time, she had a busy life as a young professional working in public accounting and pursuing her CPA certification. She felt like she needed to change her lifestyle to manage her disease, which was scary at the time. However, her lifestyle changes made her happier and healthier.

She found support in the Arthritis Foundation and became passionate about helping others with the disease by becoming involved in finding a cure. 

“I feel lucky I was diagnosed so quickly and began treating my disease early. I am hopeful and I will keep fighting with others to support research studies and eventually find a cure.”

Diana feels honored to be involved in the Arthritis Foundation and wants to help others feel empowered to fight back and live the life they want despite an arthritis diagnosis. 

To join or donate to Diana team click here.

Emma Wagner
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Youth Honoree

Emma was only 5 years old when her mom noticed one of her knees looked swollen and she was having a hard time walking on it.  Her parents could not figure out what she could have done to it to make her knee swell the way it did.  After having many tests, scans, and referrals to specialists, Emma was referred to the most amazing pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Ankur Kamdar.  Emma’s family was surprised when they learned that Emma was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Dr. Kamdar immediately started Emma on a treatment plan, which included injections to her knee.  

Some days are better than others, but the treatments have helped her tremendously.  Emma loves to horseback ride and this wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the treatment she receives for her JRA.
Emma said YES to being an honoree for this year’s Jingle Bell Run because she wants people to understand that anyone at any age can have arthritis.  She wants to raise money for a cure so that one day she and other kids with arthritis can live pain free!

To join or donate to Emma team click here.