Dariusz Lukowski
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Youth Honoree
 Dariusz, a passionate athlete, ran into physical challenges on the field at the young age of 11. Debilitating pain in his hips and legs eventually forced him to the sideline in early 2016. The family was able to meet with Dr. Andrew Shulman, who diagnosed Dariusz with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The initial treatment plan worked and Dariusz returned to the field! The last 4 years have been filled with plenty of ups and downs, but he has persevered. He continues to be vigilant with his treatment plan in hopes that one day he can get his AS in full remission. He is an inspiration to all!
To join or support Dariusz please visit his fundraising page. |
Dave attended Northwestern University where he was a student athlete playing baseball. Upon graduation, he spent 3 years playing in the minor leagues for both the White Sox and Angels organizations. He is currently working with Monster Energy. Dave’s youngest daughter of three, Audrey, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 9. In 2015, Audrey was the Youth Honoree for the Jingle Bell Run. The Van Winkle’s have been actively involved in the Jingle Bell Run rallying around Audrey’s Angels every year since 2015 & are back this year to help OCIE to be the BIGGEST Jingle Bell Run nationwide.
Jim is a native New Englander. Jim attended Wesleyan University in Middletown. He played 4 years of football & baseball. Jim is married to Melissa & has 2 beautiful children; Dariusz age 13 and Anneke age 9 “It was through an innocent work conversation with Dave that I suspected Dariusz might also be afflicted with ankylosing spondylitis. Dave immediately contacted colleagues at the Arthritis Foundation who went to work on our behalf. They set us up with pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Andrew Shulman. Within 30 days, our son Dariusz was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Dariusz is extremely active & currently pain free.
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