Melissa Parsons, MD
Medical Honoree
Jon Parsons
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Adult Honoree
 Melissa Parsons became interested in the Arthritis Foundation in 2011 when her husband, Jon, was diagnosed in October with ankylosing spondylitis. That year, Dr. Parsons surprised her husband by getting a team of 73 Friends and Family (the largest friends and family group – beat only by OhioHealth) signed up to walk and run in the 2011 Jingle Bell Run. Melissa raised over $7000 in about 6 weeks between Jon’s diagnosis and the 2nd weekend in December. Since 2011, Jon and Melissa have raised $51, 417.97 for the Arthritis Foundation, and continually have one of the largest Friends and Family teams. Last year, one of Melissa’s patients, Isabelle Moore, was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Melissa encouraged Izzy’s parents to participate in the Jingle Bell Run. This year, Izzy was chosen to be the pediatric patient honoree, and Mrs. Moore suggested Dr. Parsons be chosen as the medical honoree.
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Isabelle Moore (Izzy) began complaining of leg pain every morning in October 2019 just after she turned three. One morning, Izzy couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain, she had to be carried everywhere. After lots of medical tests, she landed at the Rheumatology Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital where she was diagnosed with Oligoarthritis, a form of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Izzy began oral medications and injections. Izzy is doing better now and loves to swim, dance, run and play with her three older siblings! 
I educate my patients on diagnoses and help provide them with evidence-based nutrition and exercise counseling. I love improving the quality of life of my patients, as well as preventing and treating chronic diseases. Treating every organ system in the body is essential for successful Rheumatology outcomes. Providing individual and personalized patient care is my number one goal. Seeing my patients succeed is the ultimate fulfillment for me as a physician. Seeing a patient meet their goals continues to inspire me and push me to be better for them every day.
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