2023 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Nicholas Yohe, MD Northwell Orthopedics Medical Honoree Nicholas Yohe, MD is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery, revision hip and knee surgery, and robotic hip and knee surgery in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwell Health South Shore University Hospital. A life-long New Yorker who grew up on Long Island, Dr. Yohe graduated from the University of Binghamton with a degree in Biological Sciences, attended medical school at New York Medical College, and completed his residency with an extra year of dedicated research in orthopaedics at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn. Dr. Yohe then completed his sub-specialty fellowship training in adult reconstructive surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital with Dr. Giles Scuderi.

 

Ali Hupfer Adult Honoree Ali started her Jingle Bell Run team in 2019 shortly after the passing of her mom, Louise and her Aunt Gail. Louise and her sister Gail were both diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis more than 20 years ago. Over the course of their lives they both tried several medications, including experimental ones with the hopes of living their lives to the fullest despite the pain they suffered each day from their battle with arthritis. Unfortunately, other auto immune diseases coupled with rheumatoid arthritis resulted in them being taken from us too soon. Each year Ali's team seeks to add new team members and exceed the prior years fundraising goals. Their hope is to not only raise awareness of the effects of arthritis but to raise money for research to help others who suffer not only from rheumatoid arthritis but arthritis related conditions.

 

 

Diya Basra Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Top Mission Fundraiser   Diya Basra is a 17-year-old high school senior. After a tiring year when she was only 9 years old, she was finally diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Her journey with JRA has been one with many ups and downs. Without the right combination of medications, research and science, she would not have been able to live the normal life of a teenager. Bharatnatyam, a classical style of Indian dance has made her stay active. It is a style of classical Indian dance that has been Diya's passion since she was 6 years old. It requires mental focus, physical rigor, years of practice, discipline, and dedication. Last month, Diya was able to raise money with a classical dance performance for family and friends. The fundraiser was to support many kids like Diya that are affected every day by JRA, and other chronic conditions. It empowered her and taught her that no matter how big or small, we can all be involved in our own way and make an impact.