2021 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Brian Kelly
PNC Healthcare
Corporate Honoree 


Brian Kelly is Executive Vice President and Head of PNC Healthcare, where he is responsible for leading PNC’s healthcare industry business which offers fully integrated solutions and strategic services to healthcare organizations.

Prior to that, he was the CFO for Excela Health, strategic financial advisor to the industry’s largest and most influential healthcare systems in the country while at Kaufman Hall, and held various leadership roles at UPMC. Brian regularly speaks at healthcare industry conferences and serves as a contributor for publications focused on the changing healthcare landscape.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA from Robert Morris University where he now serves on the board of trustees.

A Pittsburgh native, he lives in Export with his wife Emily and their four children.


Amanda Bembic
Physician Assistant
Medical Honoree 


Amanda Bembic is a certified physician assistant at the Autoimmunity Institute with Allegheny Health Network since June 2016. Amanda is also involved in research endeavors within the Autoimmunity Institute. She also holds an Advanced Practice Provider leadership position within Allegheny Health Network’s Medicine Institute. Amanda is very passionate about rheumatology and comprehensive patient care. She has been very active in professional societies such as the American College of Rheumatology, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Assistants, to name a few. This has been a great avenue of opportunity for her to help with all aspects of rheumatologic patient care.

To support Amanda, please visit her fundraising page today!

 


Celeste A. Elash, MS
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree 


Celeste A. Elash, MS, is VP of Scientific Affairs at YPrime, where she designs software that patients use to report their symptoms in clinical drug trials. Celeste has dedicated her career to contributing to the development of safer and more effective treatments for patients, including those with all types of arthritis.

After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis over 10 years ago, Celeste was fortunate to find relief from her join pain and stiffness with one of the popular biologic treatments. Thereafter, she became even more dedicated to raising awareness and advancement of arthritis treatment. Celeste became involved with the Arthritis Foundation first as a Walk to Cure Arthritis participant, then as a volunteer, and now as a Committee member. Celeste is a formidable Arthritis Warrior and Arthritis Foundation Champion of Yes!

To support Celeste, please visit her fundraising page today!


Natalie Jones
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Child Honoree 


Natalie was diagnosed on July 1, 2019 at age 12 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Her mother was shocked to see her displaying the same symptoms as her brother Noah, who was diagnosed with JRA 15 years ago at 19 months. Natalie was diagnosed rather quickly and started methotrexate and steroids. While she suffers from pain in her toes, ankles, knees, fingers, and hips, when she’s feeling good she enjoys riding horses. Natalie is in the 7th grade at Lincoln High School in Ellwood City.

To support Natalie and her team, Jonesin for a Cure, please visit her team fundraising page today!