Sophia Ferrer
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 Sophia was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at the age of 2. The most challenging part of her journey has been having to take medicine. Sophia often has pain in her legs but this never stops her one bit. She always says, “I want the world to know that arthritis doesn’t stop you from doing anything! Look at everything I can do! Arthritis will never hold me back.” Sophia is currently in 4th grade. She participates in ballet, gymnastics, hip-hop, soccer, cheerleading, softball, basketball, school newspaper, chorus, and faith formation. Sophia has big dreams and there's no doubt she will reach them!
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Dr. Erik Zachwieja is a fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in the operative and non-operative treatment of orthopaedic conditions of the hip and knee, with a focus on hip and knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Zachwieja has advanced training in minimally invasive direct anterior hip replacement, partial and total knee replacement, robotic-arm assisted knee replacement, complex revision hip and knee replacement, as well as orthopaedic trauma and fracture care. He provides expert care to his patients by using the latest advanced treatments and minimally invasive techniques to speed recovery and enhance function. Learn more about Dr. Zachwieja 
Liz was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in 2018 after years of joint pain. Although it took a while to find the right medications to induce remission, she never let arthritis get in the way of achieving goals. Although she had to take time away from running due to ankle swelling, she just completed the NYC Marathon! She wants everyone to know that if this disease has taught her anything, it’s to have patience with your body when in pain. Liz has a unique perspective as she is also a pediatric NP taking care of kiddos with arthritis as well!.
Maria was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at the age of 2. She is now 15. It has been a long journey with her arthritis. There are always ups and downs, and good days and bad days. You might think Maria has always been in pain, having arthritis for 13 years. But that's not the case. While only having arthritis in her knees, she has been on different medications over the years to help her feel better in those joints every day.
Nicholas is 13 years old and was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 1. While different joints have been affected throughout the years, the arthritis has remained in his ankles.