 Maggie Miller’s journey from diagnosis to treatment was a long, torturous path of doctor’s appointments, blood tests, trial-and-error medications, then more doctor’s appointments. Maggie, who lives in Blue Springs, was 7 when she was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. She’s now 12, her arthritis is finally under control, and she’s a happy, active child and an Arthritis Foundation veteran. “Arthritis is definitely a journey we never would have chosen, but we love our tour guide,” says Maggie’s mom, Tammy. “We are grateful for the Arthritis Foundation and the families we have met that have made this journey easier.” And we’re thrilled to honor Maggie as our Youth Honoree!
Join or support Maggie and her team, Maggie Princess Warrior, in the fight against arthritis. |
Dr. Mark Box, a rheumatologist at Carondelet Rheumatology in Kansas City, MO, is delighted to be the Medical Honoree for this year’s Walk to Cure Arthritis. As a native of Kansas City who has been in private practice since 1993, Dr. Box has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people in his community who suffer from various arthritic diseases. He’s a longtime member of the Arthritis Foundation’s Leadership Board, has served on the organization’s Medical and Scientific Committee, is actively involved with the Arthritis Foundation’s advocacy initiatives, and he’s been a generous donor to the organization for more than 25 years.
When Vicki Campbell of Olathe was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at age 61, the pain was crippling. She could barely move her fingers, and she needed help with the simplest of tasks – brushing her hair, getting dressed, even writing. Now 64, Vicki is in a better, happier place. Her RA is under control, and she’s thrilled about raising money for the Walk to Cure Arthritis as the event’s Adult Honoree. “I believe in this mission,” says Vicki, a provider relations liaison at Lakeview Village senior living neighborhood in Lenexa. “I want to help others with arthritis.”
At age 2, William Quinn of Olathe suffered severe inflammation in his left eye that eventually led to a cataract and permanent damage to his optic nerve. The culprit was uveitis, a rare eye disease often associated with juvenile arthritis (JA). At age 13, William had pain, swelling and stiffness in his right knee that led to another sobering diagnosis: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. William, now 15, finds comfort in the Arthritis Foundation – going to summer camp, participating in events like the Walk, and developing friendships with other JA warriors. “The Arthritis Foundation has given William opportunities to feel like he belongs,” says William’s mother, Laura. “He is not alone.”
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