2020 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Jack Baxter
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree  


Jack was diagnosed with Polyarticular Arthritis a month after his 18 month check up. During the exam the physician noticed his stiffness and discomfort. We then noticed Jack didn’t like to walk a lot in the mornings and walked very stiffly with his knees locked. After some x-rays and blood work, and visiting a few specialists he was formally diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Jack now takes Methotrexate injections weekly and quarterly Rheumatology exams with Dr. Oberle at Children’s Hospital, eye exams with Dr. Lange and blood work to monitor his progress.

Jack has inflammation in both knees, one ankle and several fingers. Within a month of treatment he was running which most children his age were already doing. After a year of physical therapy we are inline with all milestones. Jack is one of 300,000 children afflicted with this disease. Please help donate to Jack’s Jumping Jackals to raise awareness that children get this disease too and hope to find a cure.


Myrriah Clarke
Inflammatory Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
Adult Honoree  


In 2008, when Myrriah was 20 years old, she experienced a sudden onset of musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain throughout her body. Since then, she has seen many specialists; gone through regular labs, imaging, and injections; and taken numerous medications. Most of Myrriah’s medical journey has been without answers, rapidly changing symptoms, failed medications, and dismissive physicians.

Luckily, she found champions in her primary care physician, Dr. Carolyn Guarino-Vogler with Prometheus Primary Care and her medical team at Columbus Arthritis Center, Dr. Jennifer Richardson and Shannon Ghizzoni, PA-C. She has also worked for NovaCare Rehabilitation since 2012 and has been fortunate to take advantage of regular physical and occupational therapy in a setting in which she’s comfortable.

Today Myrriah’s diagnoses include inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia, chondromalacia, carpal tunnel, cervical disc disease, and a functional movement disorder. Additionally, she lives with bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety, and the many conditions that accompany mental health disorders. Myrriah is an advocate for mental health de-stigmatization and considers it her biggest passion.

Myrriah has been participating in the Walk to Cure Arthritis since 2013 and on the event planning committee since 2017 and is thrilled to be a 2020 Adult Honoree. She is proud to represent people living with musculoskeletal and neuropathic illnesses who struggle to get answers and is proud to have a platform to de-stigmatize mental health conditions.


Tyler La Susa
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Adult Honoree  


At 12 years old, Tyler experienced his first symptoms as chest pain diagnosed as costochondritis. The pain continued for 10 years before the proper diagnosis was assigned as Undifferentiated Spondyloarthropathy, mainly involving the often misdiagnosed arthritis known as Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. Often thought of as a rare disease, AS is actually more common than many realize. This is because AS is often misdiagnosed as other conditions or goes undiagnosed.

Thanks to a continued commitment to improving his mental and physical health related to the condition and the partnership of the doctors and medical professionals at Columbus Arthritis Center (especially Dr. Antonchak), Tyler has achieved a healthy lifestyle where the struggles of AS are managed in unison with the 27 year old’s busy life and career. Tyler is an alumni of The Ohio State University, where he received a degree in Civil Engineering and was a Mount Leadership Society Scholar. Currently, Tyler serves as a Civil Engineer for Ohio Department of Transportation.

Tyler has been involved with Arthritis Foundation for three years, becoming more and more involved each year. Tyler hopes to advocate for the millions of patients who can feel voiceless at times in their fight against the frequently misunderstood and overgeneralized disease of arthritis. Tyler is especially passionate about advocating for juvenile patients who face a very unique set of challenges in achieving lifelong disease management. Tyler is thrilled and honored to serve as a 2020 Adult Honoree, where he hopes everyone will come support his team The Enablers in their fundraising effort. Tyler encourages everyone to stay tuned for some of the fun ideas and events he has in the works to fundraise for this years Walk to Cure Arthritis.


Kendyl Ferrara
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis | Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Adult Athlete Honoree  


In January 2001, Kendyl’s mother noticed some irregular swelling in her knees and decided to seek medical attention. At the age of 3, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis/Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Kendyl quickly began treatment in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. By the age of 11, Kendyl’s flare ups & doctor visits became less frequent.

Throughout Kendyl’s life, she became very engaged in the sport of swimming and went on to become a Division 1 collegiate swimmer at The Ohio State University. After nearly 8 years since her last flare up, Kendyl experienced a major amount of swelling and stiffness in her left knee during the summer of 2018 while training with her team in Columbus. Surprised and caught off guard, Kendyl worked alongside her coaches and athletic trainers to rebuild a new treatment plan from scratch. Finally a steady plan was found with the help of The Columbus Arthritis Center where she currently goes for routine check-ups.

Throughout the difficulties she has faced, Kendyl was able to continue her passion for swimming with the support of her family, doctors and coaches. While being at Ohio State, she has learned how to manage her illness, continue competing in her sport and be a full-time student.

Kendyl is proud to team up with The Arthritis Foundation and participate in the “2020 Walk to Cure Arthritis” and defy the odds. Please join her team, Kendyl’s Conquerors in finding a cure. 


Jamie Bright
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Athlete Honoree  


Jamie was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis on March 12, 2019. He went from playing right wing on his ice hockey team to watching from the stands.

For Jamie, It began In November of 2018. What started as right knee pain after a hockey game rapidly progressed to the inability to walk, take the cap off of the toothpaste and climb the steps onto the school bus. He stopped singing in the shower, couldn’t sleep at night and no longer was his cheerful self.

Jamie was sent to Dr. Toruner at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Rheumatology Department and was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Jamie was immediately admitted to the hospital and received aggressive treatment over the course of several days. By the time he was discharged, he could walk, was nearly pain free and smiling again.

To help manage his symptoms, Jamie receives weekly Methotrexate injections and biweekly Humira injections. He has blood drawn monthly so his doctor can monitor his joints and ensure his body is handling his medications properly.

Jamie aspires to play goalie in the upcoming season and with the help of The Arthritis Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital the possibilities are endless. Jamie looks forward to the Walk to Cure Arthritis on May 2nd and invites everyone to join his team, Jamie’s Fightin’ Alpacas.