2022 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Jay Mehta, M.D. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Medical Honoree Dr. Mehta is a pediatric rheumatologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and works with some of the best rheumatologists, nurses, social workers, research staff, and coordinators in the country. He was drawn back to CHOP after his 5 years in New York City because of the incredible group of people. "I have the honor and privilege of taking care of children and families during some of their most difficult times, and I get to help residents and fellows learn to develop their own way of taking care of patients."  He served as Chair of the ACR Pediatric Committee and currently chairs the CARRA Rare Diseases Committee. He is an Associate Program Director for the CHOP Pediatrics Residency. Join or support Dr. Mehta and his team, Team CHOP, on his personal fundraising page.

Sarah LoPresti Rheumatoid Arthritis Adult Honoree Sarah LoPresti was diagnosed with aggressive rheumatoid arthritis the summer before her senior year of high school. She found herself having to learn how to manage her disease while juggling the stress and demands of going to college and learning to live on her own. Sarah volunteers for the cause in several ways, serving as a member on the Arthritis Foundation’s local leadership board and as a co-facilitator for the Live Yes! Connect support group for young adults/young professionals. “Living with a chronic illness can feel very lonely, especially for young adults. It is so rewarding to connect other young adults and professionals and help them wrap their minds around a new diagnosis or be there to support them through big life changes,” she says. Join or support Sarah and her team, Not Fast, Just Furious, on her personal Fundraising page.

Lauren Ringenary Juvenile Arthritis Youth Honoree Lauren's journey with juvenile arthritis (JA) began when she was just 17 months old. Although she was not walking yet, we were not too concerned but after noticing swelling in her knee we took her to the pediatrician. After a week of additional joint involvement, bloodwork, x-rays, and several specialist appointments Lauren was diagnosed with JA. Lauren was previously diagnosed with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder. Children with 22q have a higher likelihood of juvenile arthritis. It has been 4 years filled with physical therapy, doctor appointments, and weekly injections but also with milestones, forming relationships, and education. Unfortunately, after over 2 years of remission (medicated and non-medicated), Lauren flared and had to restart her weekly injections. Despite everything, Lauren handles it like a rockstar!  Join or support Lauren and her team, Team Unicorn, on their Fundraising page.