Laura Torchinsky is this year’s honoree for the Jingle Bell Run - Montgomery County, MD
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Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis over 30 years ago, Laura has had RA for most of her life. However, with the help of a great rheumatologist, effective medications and a positive attitude (most of the time!), she has managed to live a full and meaningful life. Up until a few years ago, Laura tried to hide her disease. She tried not to use her hands when she talked, and when asked why she limps sometimes, she would just say that she had weak ankles.
About four years ago, a lot changed. She was asked to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation. She really hesitated. It meant that she would have to talk freely about a disease that she spent so much time trying to hide. But once she started, it became therapeutic. She happily states that she tried to hide her condition for 30 years, and she will spend the next 30 years telling everyone about it!
Laura is currently a patient advocate for the American College of Rheumatology and will be getting involved in a similar capacity with the Arthritis Foundation, as well. She raises money annually for the Jingle Bell Run through the team that she coordinates called “Laura’s Army”. Laura is also very thankful to her husband and two daughters who have helped and supported her along the way.
To support Laura or join her team please click here!
Dr. Michael Auriemma
Medical Honoree
Michael Auriemma, MD is a sports medicine physician at Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (ROSM). Dr. Auriemma received his medical degree from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. After training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Georgetown University Hospital/National Rehabilitation Hospital, he then completed his sports medicine fellowship through Harvard Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and Massachusetts General Hospital. During his training, he was twice named resident of the year.
Dr. Auriemma joined ROSM in October 2018 and currently practices in North Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC. His practice focuses on nonoperative and innovative treatments for sports injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis. He specializes in reparative injection techniques and diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound. He is credited with multiple publications and regularly presents at regional and national conferences. In treating patients with arthritis, he emphasizes a comprehensive and function-based approach in order to optimize a return to everyday and athletic/leisure activities.
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