Samantha Laflin
Juvenile Polyarticular
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree
 At a young age, Sam started swimming competitively. She began to struggle with constant sickness, fatigue, and joint pain. Her team doctor recommended her to a rheumatologist where she was diagnosed with juvenile polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis.
She “dove” all in with the Arthritis Foundation. Through Jingle Bell Run, and Camp Joint Adventures, she found a place where she could meet friends and mentors that had gone through and understood how she was feeling. As her symptoms improved, she went on to swim collegiately at Birmingham Southern College. She continues to swim today to stay active and keep her joints moving. |
Amber Lynne McKinstry is the Marketing Specialist for Home Instead in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from law school, she found her passion working in the elder care field. Amber has seen the devastating effects of arthritis firsthand. Having several family members who suffered with arthritis and watching the seniors in her care suffering daily with this disease, she has made it her mission to raise both awareness and money to help find a cure.
Dr. Robert Agee is a board-certified family practice physician who is fellowship trained in sports medicine. Dr. Agee earned his bachelor's degree from Morehouse College and went on to complete his medical degree at Meharry Medical College. He finished his family practice residency at UCSF Fresno and his sports medicine fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham. During his career, Dr. Agee has served in clinical leadership roles as Chief of Primary Care/Sports Medicine, Medical Director, and Fellowship Director. Dr. Agee has more than 10 years of experience caring for elite athletes from the NFL, MLB, NBA, and the NHL, and has been the past Medical Director for Legion Field and the NFL European League.
Maddox developed unusual symptoms at the age of three. He had enlarged lymph nodes, unexplained fevers, and swollen joints. Over a one-year span, Maddox had 15 hospitalizations and numerous emergency room visits. While searching for answers, Maddox was put on a strong steroid regime to combat juvenile arthritis (JA) symptoms. Two years later, Maddox was formally diagnosed with systemic juvenile arthritis and is completely steroid dependent, requiring them to live. The large doses of steroids and bi-weekly biologics have also resulted in a compromised immune system. Maddox visits the hospital frequently as his body cannot fight off illness. Maddox is the ultimate warrior!