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 402-262-0144 or 402-660-1680.
Stephen C. Elliott, DO, PhD, FAAP Retired - Blank Children's Hospital Medical Honoree
Dr. Stephen Elliott retired from his role as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines after 46 years of clinic and teaching practice. Before retiring, he also was the head of the Diagnostic Clinic at Blank, working very closely with Dr. Polly Ferguson, pediatric rheumatologist from Iowa City.
Dr. Elliott received his medical degree from Des Moines College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery and did his Pediatric Residency and Fellowship training in Hematology/Oncology at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.
As a member of the teaching faculty, as well, at Blank Hospital, he was honored with Pediatric Teacher of the Year Award 10 times from Blank Hospital.
Kaiti Reid Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Young Adult Honoree
Kaiti was diagnosed at age 3 after her parents noticed her motor development was regressing. After being diagnosed, frustrations continued as to what her life might look like. Biologic treatments were just FDA approved and not readily available. She was able to start biologic injections, as a teenager, and her life started to turn around. Having occasional flareups, she can live a normal life with adaptations. She completed her doctorate in occupational therapy and is proud that her experience with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has made her a compassionate health care provider. Her hopes are that she can make the difference in the life a child with JIA and that she can be relatable to others. Along with her healthcare providers, she credits the Arthritis Foundation with improving her quality of life. The Arthritis Foundation led the charge to implement biologics for treatment of juvenile arthritis and that has made all the difference.
Ashlyn Stadtlander Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis JA Honoree
Ashlyn was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at the age of 6. Now, at 14, she is active in show choir, track, and competitive dance. As a child, she did not want to ride a bike, always wanted to be carried and would not eat meat. We could not understand why, and she was too young to articulate. Pedaling, walking, and chewing were painful. After two long years, Ashlyn's swollen wrists led us to a formal diagnosis by the University of Iowa Hospitals. Her arthritis has been controlled via injections and weekly medications.
Ashlyn volunteered to be an honoree because she wants to raise awareness for a disease that is largely invisible. She hopes her story will inspire others!
Dr. Stephen Elliott retired from his role as a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines after 46 years of clinic and teaching practice. Before retiring, he also was the head of the Diagnostic Clinic at Blank, working very closely with Dr. Polly Ferguson, pediatric rheumatologist from Iowa City.
Kaiti was diagnosed at age 3 after her parents noticed her motor development was regressing. After being diagnosed, frustrations continued as to what her life might look like. Biologic treatments were just FDA approved and not readily available. She was able to start biologic injections, as a teenager, and her life started to turn around. Having occasional flareups, she can live a normal life with adaptations. She completed her doctorate in occupational therapy and is proud that her experience with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has made her a compassionate health care provider. Her hopes are that she can make the difference in the life a child with JIA and that she can be relatable to others. Along with her healthcare providers, she credits the Arthritis Foundation with improving her quality of life. The Arthritis Foundation led the charge to implement biologics for treatment of juvenile arthritis and that has made all the difference.
Ashlyn was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at the age of 6. Now, at 14, she is active in show choir, track, and competitive dance. As a child, she did not want to ride a bike, always wanted to be carried and would not eat meat. We could not understand why, and she was too young to articulate. Pedaling, walking, and chewing were painful. After two long years, Ashlyn's swollen wrists led us to a formal diagnosis by the University of Iowa Hospitals. Her arthritis has been controlled via injections and weekly medications.