Harrison
Systematic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 Harrison was diagnosed with systematic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) in the summer of 2020 at the age of 3. His symptoms started as leg and hand pain that progressed to a daily fever, rash, and swollen joints. We saw his pediatrician & had a couple emergency room visits. Eventually Harrison was admitted for several days at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. After a lot of tests he was diagnosed and we were introduced to Dr. Brett Smith, the Rheumatologist. Dr. Smith got him started on a course of steroids and then started a daily biologic shot, Anakinra. He took shots for just over 2 years.
Harrison’s diagnosis has changed our lives in some ways, but thanks to Dr. Smith, his staff, and our many resources he hasn’t skipped a beat! The family is honored that Harrison has been chosen as the 2022 Youth Honoree |
Dr. Lavelle completed medical school at the College of Osteopathic Medicine- Midwestern University. Dr. Lavelle now practices spine and musculoskeletal medicine at Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics in Knoxville TN. He works with patients to help educate them on the etiology of their pain complaints and uses multiple treatment options to help restore their quality of life and functioning. A large focus of his practice is on treating patients with arthritic complaints and helping patients understand the cause of their diagnosis , the role the nervous system plays in causing the pain symptoms and developing a proper treatment plan so they can resume their active lifestyle.
Dr. Christy C. Park is a rheumatologist at University of Tennessee Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at UT Graduate School of Medicine. After undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College, she graduated from University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She completed internal medicine residency at Evanston Hospital in Illinois, and rheumatology fellowship at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois, where she continued as faculty pursuing research in rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Park is ever grateful for the Arthritis Foundation funding support of her early career development. She completed a fellowship at Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine to learn ways to provide optimal care. She has enjoyed practicing and teaching for over 22 years.
Hannah Sellers is a University of TN–Knox. senior majoring in forensic anthropology. She lives in Briceville, TN with her parents and brother Jon Paul. Hannah was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in 5th grade. Hannah battles with pain in her knees, hands, back and struggles with fatigue. She continually strives to show others that having arthritis is not a disability–but the ability to show others that you can adapt and overcome. Hannah and family always advocate for the Arthritis Foundation and she is a true arthritis warrior who never gives up.
Spread the Word!