During her thirty-year career with Louisville Orthopaedic, Debi has managed ongoing initiatives to promote the growth of the organization while advocating for the patient experience. The organization has grown from five practitioners to twenty-two delivering comprehensive orthopaedic care to patients in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Deborah received her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from McKendree College and her MBA in Healthcare Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.
She resides in Louisville with her husband, Daryl, of twenty-five years, her daughter, Hannah and two dogs, Bella and Brandi. As a long-time Louisville resident, she enjoys all events surrounding the KY Derby. She spends free time volunteering in her community as a member of the Bluegrass Optimist Club and at Volunteers of America Family Emergency Shelter.
Long time supporters of the Arthritis Foundation, Debi and the Louisville Orthopaedic team are Champions of Yes for the arthritis community in Kentuckiana. Working to help us conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections.
We hope you will join Debi and the Louisville Ortho Jinglers team at this year’s Jingle Bell Run!!
Jacquelyn Smith is from Lexington, Kentucky and received her MD from the University of Kentucky. She completed internal medicine residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. She was selected to be one of the chief residents the year after completing residency. She then completed rheumatology fellowship at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC where she also participated in research involving osteoarthritis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. She enjoys rheumatology because of the ability to form long-lasting relationships with patients and because of the complexity of the diseases. Together with the staff at Rheumatology Associates, she provides the latest treatment options in a setting that is both comfortable and reassuring to patients. Dr. Smith is excited to serve as this year’s Medical Honoree and represent the healthcare professionals who play such a critical role in the lives of people living with arthritis.
Join Dr. Smith and the Rheumatology Associates team at this year’s event!
For years, 11-year-old Lex Patterson would have spells where an ankle, hip, or knee would hurt or swell. Unable to pinpoint the cause, he was often treated for “sprains” or “bruises” for a couple of years. Last year, he tested positive for a gene that’s associated with certain auto immune diseases after experiencing a severely inflamed eye and knee. After eventually being referred to a rheumatologist, Lex was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis related arthritis. Since then, Lex’s new normal includes regular doctor’s visits and therapies, weekly shots and medicine that often makes him feel bad. “Trying to explain what juvenile arthritis is and what it does to me as a kid is hard,” says Lex. “I sometimes can’t do normal sports most kids do or participate in P.E. class with my friends.”
But this diagnosis doesn’t change who he is. “He’s still our smart, witty goofball who could live in the ocean,” says Lex’s mom, Amanda. “JA may slow him down, but it doesn’t stop him. Even with many absences, he’s still very involved in school. He’s been taking accelerated math, a member of his school’s leadership team, on the school’s archery team (they just shot at Nationals), and he recently presented his project at the state’s National History Day contest (he placed second).” Lex wants other kids living with arthritis to know that they are not alone, and they are strong.
Keelin Belk was just 7 years old when she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. At the age of two, she started having pain in her hip that would come and go every few months. Over the next few years, the pain became more frequent and sometimes made it hard for her to walk. After seeking answers from multiple doctors, she was eventually referred to a pediatric rheumatologist where she received her diagnosis. “When I found out I had arthritis, I was sad,” says Keelin. “I had to start taking medicine for my arthritis right away and at first, I had to get my medicine in a shot, once a week.” Now Keelin gets her medication via an infusion every four weeks which is a lot easier to manage. While Keelin still enjoys doing all of the things 12-year-old kids like to do, her arthritis can sometimes make her hips and ankles hurt when she does activities like running and swimming. Luckily, Keelin’s medicine helps her do most of the thing she loves and stay pain free most days.
Keelin wants everyone to know that kids get arthritis, too! She is excited to participate in the Jingle Bell Run as a youth honoree to help raise money for research and awareness for all kids living with arthritis. “I hope everyone will participate because I want to find a cure for arthritis!”
Come jingle with Keelin and her team at this year’s event!
Shortly after turning 50, Jan Young started experiencing pain and swelling in her joints along with regular fatigue and achiness. After seeking the care of a rheumatologist, she was diagnosed with Sjogren’s Syndrome. In addition to this new diagnosis, Jan had already been battling aggressive osteoarthritis for quite a few years which had resulted in cervical spine surgery with fusion when she was in her 40s and double knee replacements which took place after her Sjogren’s diagnosis.
Now 66 years old, Jan continues to live with chronic pain every day. “Arthritis has slowed me down,” says Jan. “My body aches every day, some days more than others.” With the help of a rheumatologist and orthopaedic specialists, she manages her arthritis with medication and regular injections in her affected joints. Due to significant pain in her hands, Jan has difficulty doing some of the smallest things that most people take for granted. “I love working in my yard and garden, but it has gotten very difficult for me lately. I do it anyway because I love it, but the constant pain can sometimes rob me of the joy I get from it.” Jan also experiences pain in her knees and ankles when she walks long distances. “Sometimes just picking up my granddaughter is hard.”
While there are times when Jan has to simply stop and take things easy, she usually pushes through, despite the arthritis. “Arthritis is not just an old person’s disease. It affects all walks of life, all ages and all sizes,” says Jan. “It’s painful and debilitating for so many people!”
Jan is excited to share her story to spread awareness about arthritis. We hope you will join Jan and her friends and family at this year’s event as we gather together to get our jingle on!!
Spread the Word!