Ellen Aidekman
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree
 Ellen was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 16 years ago.
She was immediately put on a high dose of steroids to alleviate the swelling and pain. After meeting with a rheumatologist, she had to try one drug after another, none of which had any effect. With steroids and methotrexate, she lost almost all my hair and gained an incredible amount of weight with no relief. Finally, science caught up to her! Ellen has been pain-free for years thanks to the wonderful advances in medication management. She is forever grateful to her doctor who never gave up on her. |
Joseph Albano D.O., M.B.A. is an orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons of NJ. who treats all orthopedic conditions including injuries of the knee and shoulder, with a specialty in spinal pathology.
Geena was diagnosed with idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis at 18. Determined not to let her condition define her, she got involved with the Arthritis Foundation in 2020, participating in her first Walk to Cure Arthritis. While it was difficult to publicly share her diagnosis and its challenges, she was met with overwhelming positivity and reassurance from her peers and fellow Arthritis Warriors. Geena has continued fundraising for the Walk, serves on the Social Media and Advocacy Committees, and even created a National Dance Challenge for the Walk to Cure Arthritis 2022. Geena will soon start medical school and hopes to continue inspiring others to lead healthy, happy lives.
Karishma was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis when she was 22 months old. For the past couple of years, she has made an effort to not let her condition limit her and the many objectives she wants to achieve. While there are still bad days, Karishma has found ways to be empowered by her arthritis. Now as a senior at NVD, Karishma has made it a point to raise arthritis awareness and share her story in her community. She is so excited to be a teen honoree at her first Walk to Cure Arthritis as a teenager.
At age 2, Stella was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis after she started walking with a limp which got worse with each day. Stella endured a journey of countless doctor/hospital visits, lab tests, medications, and painful days. Her team at Goryeb Children’s Hospital made every effort to manage Stella’s pain while working toward the best solution for her to live pain-free. Stella is currently in medicated remission and is living her best 4 year old life! She enjoys swimming, dancing, soccer, and playing with her friends all while spreading awareness and encouraging others to Live Yes!