Richard Haddad, M.D.
Allegra Arthritis Associates
Medical Honoree
 Dr. Haddad is board-certified rheumatologist and a fellow from the American College of Rheumatology. Dr. Haddad completed his rheumatology fellowship training at Cooper Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine. Dr. Haddad’s expertise includes the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound for diagnosis and procedure guidance in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, pseudogout and various other musculoskeletal disorders. He enjoys teaching and has been awarded an Affiliate Clinical Faculty at Monmouth University. In regards to patient care, he shares a similar philosophy as William Osler, “The good physician treats the disease.” Learn More
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Diagnosed at age 4 with systemic rheumatoid arthritis, most of Rachel’s life has been a battle between living in pain and explaining that just because she doesn’t look sick, doesn’t mean she isn’t. At 18, she had a bilateral hip replacement after medication no longer provided relief. As a child, Rachel attended Camp CHAT where she made lifelong friends with other children who could empathize and understand each other. Rachel was the first Youth Honoree for the Bergen County Arthritis Walk. She finds solace in her involvement with the Arthritis Foundation and has always kept a positive outlook on life.
At age 16, Alexa was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. At first she felt stiffness, but stiffness turned into pain, fatigue, and eventually she was unable to write or walk. Alexa’s parents and sisters supported her through every doctor appointment, test and MRI. At first she was given steroids, which led to weight gain and insecurity. Eventually she was given a biologic which has helped ease her pain.
Payton was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) when she was 18 months old. Finding a diagnosis was difficult, but once they did, the doctors at CHOP began to try and find a solution. It took some time, but they finally found what works for Payton. There have been a lot of ups and downs these past few years, but Payton has shown incredible strength and resilience through it all. She is now 7 years old and is extremely active and loves to play soccer, basketball, and football. The family hopes for a cure for Payton and for other children fighting this disease.