The Johns Hopkins All Children’s (JHACH) Pediatric Rheumatology team is delighted to serve as Medical Honoree for the 2020 Walk to Cure Arthritis. JHACH has a team which includes 4 pediatric rheumatologists, a nurse practitioner and 3 nurses who work diligently to care for children with arthritis and autoimmune disease. The team strives to provide patient-centered, comprehensive care to every child in need of rheumatologic treatment in the community.
The pediatric rheumatology team encounters the challenges of treating children with arthritis. They understand the need for ongoing investigation into the unanswered questions surrounding juvenile arthritis. The medical team is grateful to the Arthritis Foundation for the support it lends to continued research efforts aimed at finding disease triggers, clarifying causes of arthritis flare and searching for improved treatment options for those afflicted by rheumatic disease. They hope that their continued involvement with the Foundation will further propel the search for answers.
The JHACH team appreciates and supports the Arthritis Foundation through participating in the Jingle Bell Run, Walk to Cure Arthritis, Camp Boggy Creek and JA conference. They have also worked with the Foundation on an annual JA Family Day, supporting families of those patients diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. The team desires to be a shining example of quality and compassionate care to their patients. You can find them as team ‘Rheumatology Sparkle Warriors.’ If you are looking for a team to join, they would be thrilled if you signed up to be a sparkle warrior with them and help all arthritis patients!
Lee Levanduski serves at the Chief Operating Officer at Florida Orthopaedic Institute. Lee is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of FOI and its managed practices. As part of the leadership team he is also responsible for ensuring the development and successful implementation of the organization’s strategic goals. Lee has over 30 years of healthcare experience both as a clinician and an executive-level operations leader. He is a provider advocate and an expert in developing the necessary synergies for aligning physician practices with organizational goals. Lee holds a Master of Science degree in physical therapy from Neumann University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of West Florida. Lee is proud to serve as the Corporate Chair for the 2020 Tampa Walk to Cure Arthritis.
Parker Lentini is 20-years-old and this year marks his 10th year supporting the Arthritis Foundation, raising over $130,000 with his walk team, ‘Parker’s Purple Playas’. He’s the inspiration for his family’s non-profit, the Purple Playas Foundation. Parker has systemic on-set juvenile arthritis with overlap syndrome. Parker has participated in a NIH clinical trial, received the St. Joseph’s Hospital Kids are Heroes Award, served as the Child Honoree for the Tampa Walk, was the 2016 Arthritis Foundation National Youth Honoree, received the PhRma Research and Hope Award, was the recipient of the IFAA/WAAD Inspirational Patient Recognition Award, and participates in PhRma’s Go Boldly Campaign. Parker loves community service and advocating for children with chronic illness.
He’s now pursuing his passion in working at Camp Boggy Creek and with his non-profit, the Purple Playas Foundation. He enjoys comics, movies, video games, photography, videography, and golfing. Parker is excited to be the Young Adult Honoree and continues to do random acts of kindness, expecting nothing in return but a smile.
To support Parker, visit his team's fundraising page today!
Scarlett was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis before her 2nd birthday. It started with a painful swollen thumb and progressed to multiple joints. Now 5, she’s endured joint injections, shots, medications, wakeful nights and slow mornings. She copes with pain and there’s concern about joint damage, side effects and a weakened immune system. Amidst this, Scarlett is brave.
Her family is thankful to her medical team and the Arthritis Foundation. Connection with other JA families is invaluable and they encourage others to reach out for support and resources.
Scarlett’s excited to be Youth Honoree! Her family hopes that sharing her story will help put a face to the more than 300,000 kids with Arthritis in the U.S. and bring us closer to a cure!
To support Scarlett, visit her team's fundraising page today!
Arky Miller is excited to be the Walk to Cure Arthritis Dog Honoree!
Arky is 16-ish years old, was adopted in December 2006 from the SPCA. He had his left rear anterior cruciate ligament replaced in 2008 due to a previous unknown injury and ruptured a couple of discs in his back the following year. These two incidents (and his age) led to a diagnosis of canine arthritis - this has slowed down his movement, but not his cuteness or spirit.
He loves a good scratch behind the ears, so if you see him at Al Lopez Park, don't be afraid to come say Hi!
To support Arky visit the team's fundraising page today!
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