Aurora Martz
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 In 2020, at just 14 months old, Aurora was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Initially they attributed her discomfort to the challenges posed by the pandemic—closed daycares and grandparents holding her too much. It became evident that her struggles to sleep and limited mobility were symptoms of a more significant issue. The diagnosis revealed swelling in both knees and her right ankle. Since then, Aurora's journey has involved numerous joint injections and MRIs with anesthesia, along with weekly methotrexate injections. In August 2022, an 8-month "remission" without medication, was interrupted by a flare-up in April 2023, requiring joint injections and a return to weekly methotrexate. Regular visits to her pediatric rheumatologist and ophthalmologist every three months help monitor for uveitis.
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A native of Pittsburgh, Dr. Mathie was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 12. Dr. Mathie graduated from Bethel Park High School and the University of Notre Dame. She earned her medical degree from Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann School of Medicine (now Drexel University College of Medicine) in Philadelphia, where she also completed internal medicine residency. Dr. Mathie and her husband were thrilled to return home, where she completed her rheumatology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. With there being over 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases, Dr. Mathie appreciates the effort the Arthritis Foundation makes to educate and connect people.
Ashley Boynes-Shuck was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in middle school and has lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other medical conditions ever since. Committed to thriving through illness, she works in health tech and is a published writer and freelance public relations consultant who has won various recognitions for her writing and advocacy work. Ashley frequently collaborates with pharmaceutical companies and health nonprofits to share her experience, and in her free time is a birdwatcher who enjoys travel, concerts, and playing multiple instruments when her joints allow. Married to Mike, a schoolteacher who is also an Ironman triathlete and former Ninja Warrior, Ashley draws inspiration and support from him and others around her.