Connor Veit
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 Connor Veit was newly diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis just one year ago at the age of four. Connor and his family got involved with the Arthritis Foundation Walk to Cure Arthritis Green Bay in April of 2023, and it has opened a new door for them as they found they now have so many other families that they can communicate with, learn from, and relate to. Connor is such a smart, fun loving, energetic, and persevering child. Connor has a total of 11 joints affected, and is currently on meloxicam daily, with a bi-weekly injection of Humira. Although he sometimes has challenging days where he experiences swelling, stiffness, and pain, Connor and his family remain optimistic. "We are blessed to have such a supportive family and community. We’re looking forward to attending more Arthritis Foundation walks, meeting new people, and supporting one another along our journeys in life." says the Veit family.
Support Connor and his team, Veit Will Fight, at this year's Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest! |
Joan Zepecki has worked at Hunzinger Construction Company for 29 years as their Director of Corporate Affairs and Diversity & Inclusion. Joan and her family got involved with the Run/Walk to Milwaukee Irish Fest in 2022 after her mother Marlene passed away that July from complications from debilitating disease. They watched as she fought courageously for 40 years after having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis of which eventually developed into lupus and the rare felty yyndrome. She endured great pain and fought hard persevering through endless doctor appointments, blood transfusions, iron shots, and an ever-changing collection of medications all bringing with them a variety of side effects that sometimes-made daily life difficult for her.
Dr. Katherine Finn was born in Stevens Point, WI and is a graduate of University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She obtained her medical degree at Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, IL. She did her internship and residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, followed by rheumatology fellowship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 
Deserae Constantineau was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) at age seven. As a regular both on the stage and behind the scenes in Milwaukee’s storytelling community, Arthur (she calls her JRA) gives her many unique stories to share. Deserae has been very involved with the Arthritis Foundation attending, the first of many, Juvenile Arthritis Conferences in 1984, and attending summer camp for kids with JA. “I was diagnosed before the advent of biologics so my joints are pretty crooked and I was very self-conscious. Being with others like me, even as I’m approaching 50 years old, is still the best medicine to get me through the year. The Arthritis Foundation gave me my arthritis family."
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