Alexia Bell
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Teen Honoree
 Alexia does not remember life without arthritis. At age 2 she had swelling in her legs, then began to have trouble walking. A diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis followed shortly.
Alexia has always handled her arthritis like a champ! She has battled through medication changes, flares, and side effects to become the wonderfully strong person she is today. Alexia is now 17 years old and living her YES! She is an honor student, varsity cheerleader, plays piano, and dances ballet and jazz. The Arthritis Foundation has been a great resource for their family. To join or support Alexia and her team, LexiPop, please visit her personal fundraising page.
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Dr. Alex Diamond is an Associate Professor in Orthopaedics and Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed a residency in Pediatrics at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. He serves as a Team Physician for several high schools, Vanderbilt University and the Nashville Predators. Dr. Diamond is on the executive committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness and is an active member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine including serving as chair of the Community Advocacy Subcommittee. Dr. Diamond’s research focuses on injury prevention and health promotion in youth sports. He and his wife, Connie, their two children and 2 rescue dogs live in Lebanon, TN.
Dr. Angela Lane is an Associate Professor of Nursing at Belmont University. She spent the last 30 years working in healthcare as a nurse tech, registered nurse, advanced practice nurse and now nursing faculty. Angela was first diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age eight. After 6 months of active disease, she enjoyed remission until age 20. Six weeks before her wedding day, she faced the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis again. Thanks to the benefit of biologics and other modern treatments for arthritis, Angela has continued to live out her passion for helping others despite the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Ella Snyder, age 11, was diagnosed with arthritis in October 2019 after nearly 2 years of constant pain that just wouldn’t go away. She started her arthritis journey by requesting a Power Pack from the Arthritis Foundation and has since connected with other kids just like her. They refer to themselves as the “Arthritis Squad” and talk to each other nearly every day. Ella pushes through the pain and discomfort of arthritis daily to enjoy camping, hanging out with her dogs, playing with friends, drawing and painting, singing along with Dolly Parton, and pursuing her dream of being an Olympic gymnast. She refuses to let arthritis slow her down.
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