2020 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

Connor, Ryan and Brayden Sowa
National Youth Honorees

The Sowa family’s journey with arthritis started years ago when Ryan, the middle brother, began experiencing fevers, rashes and joint pain. After a lot of testing and misdiagnoses, a rheumatologist finally diagnosed him with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Tears ran down Ryan’s face when he heard, “No contact sports.” He wanted to be out there playing football like all the other kids. Six years later, he still hasn’t found the right medication to minimize his symptoms.

Brayden, the youngest, was just 2 when he started having sleepless nights, lying there crying. He tried to run and play, but all he could do was walk with a limp. Three months after Ryan’s diagnosis, Brayden was diagnosed with childhood arthritis, too.

Conner, the oldest, got the same diagnosis a couple months after Brayden. His shoulders would dislocate, and his knees and ankles became weaker and more painful. He has had 13 major surgeries for breaks in the cartilage of both knees and ankles. Two summers ago, his ankles were rebuilt, and the doctor injected stem cells into both ankles and knees. More surgery is on the horizon.

Combined, the trio has had more specialists than their parents can count. Each of the boys consumes a plethora of costly medications and must have their blood drawn and checked to ensure the meds don’t cause organ damage. Despite everything, the boys are tough. They love spending time outdoors and cherish family time. They’ve raised funds for many years for the Grand Rapids Walk to Cure Arthritis, spoken at galas and participated in several other Arthritis Foundation opportunities. It will always be Team Sowa’s mission to educate and fight for a cure.

To read more about the Sowa family, or to donate to their team, visit their team page here.


Sean Black
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree

Sean is an active and imaginative 9-year-old. His arthritis journey began in April 2016 with soreness in his knee. He saw his primary care doctor, was referred to orthopedics, and then to rheumatology. During the six-week wait to see a rheumatologist, he had severe pain in both knees and ankles. He was diagnosed in June 2016. His knees, ankles, toes, wrists, and fingers were all affected over the next few months. It took six months to find a medication plan that worked. He now takes two injectable medications to control the JIA. Sean works with rheumatology, ophthalmology, and physical therapy. 

To read more about Sean’s arthritis journey, or to donate to his team, visit his page here.

 


Infusion Associates
Medical Honoree

Infusion Associates is a multi-site, outpatient infusion center founded in 2001 with goals to provide high quality, cost effective, alternative sites of care for medically prescribed intravenous infusion therapy. We are our patient’s trusted partner and friend. Our goal is to be the standard of care they want and need. We believe that the environment we create is just as important as the type of medication our patients receive. Our promise is this: once you come through our doors, you are family.


Emma Gabites
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree

Emma's arthritis journey began at nine-years-old; after experiencing sore joints, stiffness and fatigue. It was chalked up to‘growing pains’ until she wasn’t able to climb stairs. After being referred to a rheumatologist it took another three years to get diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA).

Emma began trying multiple medications to control the inflammation. In high school, she had to quit sports, theatre and extracurricular activities. As a college student, she struggles to find a healthy balance between her health, treatments, classes/homework, and participating in campus activities.

But she knows she is more than her disease. She is a warrior!

To read more about Emma's arthritis journey, or to donate to her team, visit her team page here.


Michelle Arnold
AbbVie
Corporate Chair

At AbbVie, we strive to make a remarkable impact on patients’ lives and drive sustainable growth by discovering and delivering a consistent stream of innovative medicines that address serious health problems. AbbVie combines advanced science, expertise and passion to solve the world’s most serious health issues and have a remarkable impact on people’s lives.

To join or to donate to Michelle's team, visit the team page here.

 


McCracken Family
Family Honoree

Meet the Blonde Squad - three sisters and a cousin who all have a different type of arthritis.

Molly was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at age 7. Her symptoms started 13 years-ago when she started having pain in her joints, falling down, dislocated an elbow, and fevers. She is currently getting infusions every 4 weeks. Her diagnosis has taken a toll mentally. Molly is a natural athlete and competitor and her performance being hindered from the disease has been devastating. Today, Molly is a senior, plays golf and softball, and is in NHS.

Emma was diagnosed at age 14 with juvenile enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). Her symptoms began with painful knees and achy fingers. She was put on an NSAID and DMARD. Upping the dose a few times got her to a good spot, but she experienced wounds that wouldn’t heal and hair loss. Last year a biologic was added to her medications, and she experiences extreme exhaustion which is very frustrating as a college student. Emma has also had rounds of joint injections and physical therapy. Today, she is a junior at NMU working towards a Social Work degree.

Sophia, at age 11, was the last of her sisters to be diagnosed. She did very well on an NSAID and was considered in “remission” for a year. However, around 14 she started experiencing more pain and was put back on the NSAID but it wasn’t enough and her pain was too great, especially in her hips. She was started on a biologic around the same time as Emma. She recently had her first round of joint injections to get ahead of her current pain. Sophie has also done multiple rounds of physical therapy. Today, she is a sophomore at Tri County and plays soccer.

Jeana was diagnosed in 2017 with scoliosis and quickly after with ankylosing spondylitis. However, her rheumatologist said from the severity of her inflammation she has had arthritis for 10 years but has been treated in all the wrong ways. She saw several doctors for leg discrepancy causing severe hip pain. She has had shoe lifts, rounds of hip injections, physical therapy, and hip surgery, to no avail. Jeana has tried different biologics and is starting Remicade soon. Today, she is in her last semester at Ferris studying to become an Elementary school teacher.

To read more about each of the Blonde Squad’s stories, or to donate to their team, visit their team page here.