Francesca Elmo
Psoriatic Arthritis
Adult Honoree  In 2017, Fran was diagnosed with non-specific inflammatory arthritis with enthesis and spondyloarthropathy. After two years and many failed therapies, she received the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Multiple challenges and biologics later, Fran reached out to the Arthritis Foundation for support and knowledge to help navigate her PsA. Hiking, walks on the beach, sipping tea with a good book, yoga, pilates, meditation and stargazing have helped Fran deal with the emotional, mental and physical impacts of living with a chronic--and sometimes debilitating--illness.
Fran is delighted to be this year's adult honoree. She wants to support the newly diagnosed negotiate this sometimes difficult road. Join or donate to Francesca and her team, Elmo's Rockin' Warriors, in the fight against arthritis. |
Jennifer L. Kifer co-leads a national team of attorneys, fiduciary accountants and paralegals who advocate on behalf of nonprofit organizations as beneficiaries of matured bequests in both contested and uncontested trust and estate matters. Her practice canvasses the entire nonprofit sector, including charitable, medical, religious and educational organizations, with the ultimate goal of following donor intent to accelerate and increase bequest revenue to those organizations. Her team's work also produces hundreds of productive fundraising and planned giving prospects for nonprofit organizations. Ms. Kifer graduated first in her law school class of 439. She has taught at several institutions, including the University of Phoenix, Florida State College at Jacksonville and the University of North Florida.
Dr. Troy Yu Asensi, is a second year pediatric resident from University of Florida – Jacksonville who aspires to be a pediatric rheumatologist. He is fascinated by the complexities of the immune system and is inspired by the heartwarming stories of children suffering from arthritis. He was born and raised in the Philippines. He loves to cook, travel the world and read books. Thriller novels are his favorite. He wants you to join him and be an advocate for children with arthritis!
Rachel and Alexis are excited to be a mother-daughter co-chair team for the Walk to Cure Arthritis!
Violet is a happy, energetic, silly 9 year old who enjoys soccer, gymnastics, and spending time with family. She loves animals, playing with her sister Chloe and friends. Her arthritis story began with a swollen right knee and difficulty walking at age 3. Her dad, a pediatrician and his closest physician friends sought out a diagnosis. Initially, Violet received a steroid injection to help reduce the swelling in her knee and help her walk. She trialed several medications and is now receiving biweekly injections. Violet goes for blood work every 3-4 months. Additionally, she has been fighting a battle with eye inflammation. Through it all, she’s courageous and refuses to let her disease hold her back