In the event of inclement weather, we will post any cancellations or postponements on our Facebook page. We will also make every effort to contact all volunteers. Please DO NOT check the website, as we do not have the ability to update that in a timely fashion. Please direct any further questions to 314-896-4776.
Christopher Palmer, MD Signature Medical Group Medical Honoree
Dr. Christopher Palmer is an St. Louis-based orthopedic surgeon in who specializes in robotic joint replacement surgery. He treats a variety of orthopedic issues, and focuses on minimally invasive treatments, total joint and partial joint replacement, joint arthroscopy, and orthopedic trauma. Read More
Emily was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) 20 years ago. She is now 23 years old. Throughout the years it's been a battle. When she was 14, she was also diagnosed with Crohn's disease. After numerous medications attempts over the years, in 2022, she finally got on the right medication regimen and was able to graduate with her B.S. in Nursing from Saint Louis University. She loves traveling and after graduation she took a solo trip to India, Vietnam and Thailand. She has been working as a nurse for almost 8 months. She is trying her best always to lead the life she wants to live despite all the odds against her.
Hannah Wery Rheumatoid Arthritis Adult Honoree
Hannah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in June of 2022, though she experienced the effects of the illness for a while before receiving a diagnosis. She mostly experiences pain in her knees, wrists, feet, and hands. She has been on a variety of medications over the last year and has been able to find some relief with weekly injections. She is currently a Junior at SLU studying Sports Management and Dance. Though she knows that arthritis will always impact her life, she refuses to let it define her. She continues to pursue her passion of dance, staying active even alongside RA.
Gunnar Swebilius Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Youth Honoree
Gunnar Swebilius is 9 years old and was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in June of 2018. Our brave warrior has had many ups and downs while being in medicated remission twice since his diagnosis. Gunnar does not let JIA stop him and he continues to do what he loves while playing video games, drawing, climbing, and running… anything a typical 9-year-old loves to do. Gunnar is also fond of space and learning about the planets. While JIA may physically wear him out, it does not keep his spirits down.
Dr. Christopher Palmer is an St. Louis-based orthopedic surgeon in who specializes in robotic joint replacement surgery. He treats a variety of orthopedic issues, and focuses on minimally invasive treatments, total joint and partial joint replacement, joint arthroscopy, and orthopedic trauma. 
Emily was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) 20 years ago. She is now 23 years old. Throughout the years it's been a battle. When she was 14, she was also diagnosed with Crohn's disease. After numerous medications attempts over the years, in 2022, she finally got on the right medication regimen and was able to graduate with her B.S. in Nursing from Saint Louis University. She loves traveling and after graduation she took a solo trip to India, Vietnam and Thailand. She has been working as a nurse for almost 8 months. She is trying her best always to lead the life she wants to live despite all the odds against her.
Hannah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in June of 2022, though she experienced the effects of the illness for a while before receiving a diagnosis. She mostly experiences pain in her knees, wrists, feet, and hands. She has been on a variety of medications over the last year and has been able to find some relief with weekly injections. She is currently a Junior at SLU studying Sports Management and Dance. Though she knows that arthritis will always impact her life, she refuses to let it define her. She continues to pursue her passion of dance, staying active even alongside RA.
Gunnar Swebilius is 9 years old and was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in June of 2018. Our brave warrior has had many ups and downs while being in medicated remission twice since his diagnosis. Gunnar does not let JIA stop him and he continues to do what he loves while playing video games, drawing, climbing, and running… anything a typical 9-year-old loves to do. Gunnar is also fond of space and learning about the planets. While JIA may physically wear him out, it does not keep his spirits down.