2020 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Richard D. Parker, MD
Cleveland Clinic
Medical Honoree

Richard D. Parker, MD, is President of Hillcrest & Eastern Region Hospitals of Cleveland Clinic and an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports-related knee injuries in amateur and professional athletes of all ages and abilities. He has a specialty interest in arthroscopic surgery for meniscal and ligament tears and in knee replacement.

Through sports medicine, Dr. Parker became interested in osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. His research focuses on factors that trigger arthritis following injury or surgery.

Dr. Parker has participated in many Jingle Bell Runs and looks forward to chairing the event this year and next.

To support Dr. Parker's fundraising efforts, or to join his team, you can visit his page here.

 

Emma Kneblewicz
Juvenile Arthritis
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease
Youth Honoree

Emma is a 16 year old living with her supportive family in Broadview Heights. She enjoys spending time drawing, baking, lettering and playing volleyball. Diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) when she was 10 years old, Emma is in and out of the hospital and on and off different treatments. Although her diagnoses has been challenging, Emma found support participating in Arthritis Foundation family camps and conferences. “My arthritis does hold me back from doing things I love but I would never have been able to make memories at Flying Horse Farms or the arthritis conferences otherwise. I’ve met some of my favorite people at these events.” Emma’s Elephants has been participating in the Jingle Bell Run for 7 years.

To support Emma's fundraising efforts, or to join her team, you can visit her page here.