Youth Co-Honorees
Lily and Aiden Addair
Medical Honoree
Dr. Robertson
Adult Honoree
Fred Wayne
In the months leading up to her third birthday, Lily’s parents noticed that she wouldn’t put weight down on one of her legs in the morning when she woke up and often wanted to be carried. After months of doctors’ appointments, Lily was finally referred to a rheumatologist and was diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). By then she was having issues in both knees and underwent steroid injections. For a year she was a typical three-year-old playing with her big brother, Aiden…
Then it was her ankle and this time the steroid injection didn’t work so a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug was added to the mix – success! Almost two years later, the decision was made to try and wean her off the medication. And for a few weeks, Lily was medicine-free! Joy was short-lived as first her ankle flared and then a few weeks later her knee. Steroids provided no relief so back on the meds again, this time in an injection form. Relief was minimal so a biologic drug was added.
Over two years later, Lily receives two injections at home every Saturday. And by her side is Aiden. He is not just her big brother but her cheerleader, protector, hand holder, shot day calendar manager and overall superhero. After every shot, he shakes one of her legs because it helps with the pain or he plays music and dances to distract her from the pain. Some weeks are better than others. Aiden is the first person to give Lily extra love when she needs it.
To support Lily and Aiden, or to join their team, please click here!
Dr. Robertson is a fellowship-trained joint replacement specialist and general orthopaedic surgeon with OrthoVirginia. He and his team evaluate and treat patients with hip and knee pain arising from arthritis, traumatic injury, and congenital conditions. Arthritis is a general term that encompasses over 100 different types of joint diseases. Personally, and professionally Dr. Robertson knows that arthritis can be a crippling disease, significantly impacting people’s lives. He has also seen the impact that appropriate care can have, especially when it comes to osteoarthritis. His mother suffered from bilateral degenerative osteoarthritis of the hips. She suffered for years giving up activities that she otherwise loved and after failing conservative measures, finally elected to move forward with surgery. She noticed an immediate benefit. After bilateral hip replacements, she is able to keep up with her grandkids and is enjoying her life doing the things she had previously considered giving up.
Getting involved with the Arthritis Foundation | Virginia is something that Dr. Robertson has been interested in since attending his first event, Cocktails & Cuisine, in May. He is excited to tie jingle bells to his shoes and run (or walk!) alongside patients and their families as together, they raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Virginia natives, Dr. Robertson and his wife, Kristin, are the proud parents of two children, Trey and Laurel, and are excited to be back in Richmond!
To support Dr. Robertson or join the OrthoVirginia team please click here!
Born and bred in Richmond, Fred grew up in the Museum District. Playing in back alleys and Byrd Park were summer highlights as were the kiddie shows at the Byrd Theatre. Trips to Griggs Bakery and riding at Eddie Rankin’s Pony Ranch on Cary Street only added to the fun while public and parochial schools had expectations that let him know that life wasn’t just about fun and games. He began undergraduate work at Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). As soon as Fred finished his undergraduate degree, he realized that Richmond’s proximity to the mountains, the ocean, and the Big Apple were all pluses and it resulted in him staying put. After working for a number of years, Fred returned to VCU for a masters degree and ultimately stayed for decades. It was a circuitous route that lead him from a career in social services to finally working in the President’s Office at VCU.
At the time, the university was on an upward trajectory and few could imagine the change and the impact that VCU would have on the city, the neighborhood and thousands of student lives. Now retired, Fred volunteers at VCU and enjoys working with the staff, faculty, and donors who have made the university what it is today and what it will become in the future. A childhood of running and jumping in no-support sneakers eventually took its toll on Fred’s knees, resulting in a complete knee replacement a few years ago. It wasn’t until his physical therapist mentioned how the exercises would help his arthritis that he realized that he had likely been living with it for years! He credits his orthopedist and physical therapist for putting him on the path that has restored his quality of life. “I’m happy to work with the Arthritis Foundation to let others know they have options that can help them live fulfilling lives.”
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