2021 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Karla Jones
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Medical Honoree


Karla Jones is a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Division of Rheumatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. For the past 35 years, her passion has been improving the lives of children with JA through clinical care, patient education, research, advocacy, quality improvement and volunteerism. She has been an active volunteer with the AF throughout her career and helped establish the first camp for children with JA in central Ohio in 1990. Over the years she has seen great improvements in the medical treatments available for children with JA but knows there is more work to be done to find a cure!

To join or support Karla and her team, Karla's Quest for a Cure, please visit the teams fundraising page.


Matt Kruckenberg
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Adult Honoree


Matt Kruckenberg began his arthritis journey in 2011 following a minor knee injury. Shortly after surgery, Matt began experiencing ongoing pain which intensified. In 2020, Matt was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis that starts in the back and spreads. He has begun infusions every 6 weeks, which have been working. In December, Matt got COVID-19 which has impacted the infusion’s effectiveness but he won’t quit. Matt recently joined the CAF board and looks forward to seeing everyone at the Walk To Cure Arthritis! He’ll be joined by his wife, Jamie and son, Eli.

To join or support Matthew and his team, Team Kruck, please visit his personal fundraising page.


Kylie Hampton
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Child Honoree


In March 2020, Kylie complained about knee pain. We assumed a growth spurt. Later, she complained about pain in her knees, ankles, toes, and fingers. It became so severe she walked on her tiptoes and couldn’t use stairs. She was immediately sent for bloodwork. A week later, Kylie was seen by Karla Jones at Children’s Rheumatology and additional bloodwork was ordered. On May 21, Kylie was diagnosed with polyarticular JIA. Kylie experienced lots of firsts-hospital trips, anesthesia, shots, blood draws, MRI, and side effects from cancer treatments. Kylie still makes us laugh, shows grace, humility, strength and fearlessness.

To join or support Kylie and her team, Kylie's Krew, please visit her personal fundraising page.