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2023 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Carissa Likens
 Arthritis
Pediatric Nursing Honoree


Carissa Likens was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis when she was 10 years old. This autoimmune disease causes inflammation of the skin and muscles. She also has arthritis. Carissa had been off of treatment for a while but recently she had a “flare” and symptoms reemerged, so she has started treatment again.

Carissa is a pediatric rheumatology nurse at Riley Hospital for Children. She loves being able to relate to the kids and offering personal advice and helping them know they are not alone and that they have a bright future ahead of them.

Join or support Carissa and team, Riley's Rheumatology, on her team page.

 

Kelsey Fox
 Community Champion


Kelsey Fox has been a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation since 2019. She was first introduced to the Arthritis Foundation through work as a Rheumatology Specialty Representative at AbbVie. She has been a part of the Jingle Bell Run Committee for 3 years, Chair of the Jingle Bell Run in 2020, and has served on the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Bone Bash committees. Kelsey was awarded 2020 Young Adult Volunteer of the Year. She is passionate about helping people with rheumatic diseases.

Join or support Kelsey and Team Fox, on her team page.

 

Sammi Weyrauch
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree


Sammi Weyrauch was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 26. She got involved with the Arthritis Foundation in 2022, first joining the Jingle Bell Run committee, and now as Communications Chair on the Board of Directors. She was awarded the 2022 Jingle Bell Run MVP. She's passionate about living life to its fullest, despite arthritis. Since her diagnosis, she began yoga, learned to paint, and traveled to multiple new countries. She's grateful for the support from her loved ones, especially her husband, Joel, and her Rheumatologist, Dr. Methee Srivatana. She's excited to raise awareness and funds for the Arthritis Foundation’s mission.

Join or support Sammi and her team, on her personal fundraising page.

 

Collins Leming
 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree


Collins Leming is a 12 year old 7th grader at Noblesville West Middle School. She showed her first symptoms of arthritis in 2014 at 4 years old. After months of testing, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in 2015. Collins and her family are thankful for the care and treatment by Riley Rheumatology, who partnered with Collins on treatments that allowed her to function normally. Most people don’t know the battle the disease has caused. Collins participates in competitive dance and gymnastics. She is in her second round of remission which she and her family celebrate every day!

Join or support Collins and team, Be the Change - Walk with Collins, on her team page.