Brooke Petz
Psoriatic Arthritis
Teen Honoree
 Brooke was first diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) at age two. Years later, her diagnosis was changed to psoriatic arthritis affecting mainly the spine, but also hands, jaw, hips, and knees. Over the years Brooke has endured many procedures, infusions, and medications in an attempt to reduce swelling and joint pain. She does not let the challenges of arthritis slow her down. Through the years Brooke has participated in soccer, cheer, and gymnastics. Currently Brooke is a proud member of her high school swim team. Brooke and her family are excited to walk with everyone again and raise funds that will help find a cure and improve lives of pediatric patients like her.
To join or support Brooke, please visit her fundraising page today! |
Dr. Julia Shalen is a pediatric rheumatologist at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. In addition to seeing pediatric patients with rheumatologic disease, Dr. Shalen focuses on improving access and quality of care for pediatric patients with rheumatologic disease and on improving rheumatology education for pediatrics residents and primary care providers. Dr. Shalen is a past Arthritis Foundation Clinical Rheumatology Fellow and is thrilled to serve as this year’s Medical Honoree.
The journey for the Scarano family began when Lily (only 20 months at the time) experienced multiple symptoms that lead to her being admitted to the hospital. After extensive testing and lab work Lily was diagnosed with SJIA (Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis). SJIA is a rare subtype of JIA that causes body-wide inflammation.