Praveena Gorantla, MD
Rheumatologist
Medical Honoree
 Praveena Gorantla, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist, currently working at Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinics of Kansas. Born and raised in India, she attended Rangaraya Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences before moving to the United States to pursue higher education. Once stateside, Dr. Gorantla completed her residency at the Graduate hospital affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, during which time she was at the top of her class. Her fellowship was with the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH, which is consistently one of the highest-ranked rheumatology centers in the country.
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Dr. Tim Shaver has been treating patients with arthritis for over 25 years. As a rheumatologist and founding partner at the Arthritis and Rheumatology Clinics of Kansas in Wichita, he sees the debilitating effects of arthritis on a daily basis. He has a passion for improving the lives of those who entrust him with their care, and that passion extends to his role with the Arthritis Foundation. Dr. Shaver is a member of the Jingle Bell Run Wichita Event Committee and will serve as Corporate Chair for this year’s event.
Chuck has been hosting free community running groups for over a decade in Wichita, KS trying to bring the joy of running to all. He has been a lifetime distance runner himself but this was especially difficult after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2007 and being told he probably wouldn't be able to run anymore. Determined to continue to do what he loved he found a combination of therapies which for a while has granted him the ability to be in medicine induced remission. Chuck encourages all to keep pushing to do what you love, never lose your humor, and laugh at the journey even if the destination keeps changing. Chuck welcomes runners to join his team - 
Blessed with a supportive husband and daughter, Kim has lived a fulfilling life with rheumatoid arthritis. Kim was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis over 18 years ago. She admits she’s had her challenges but feels that with the support of her family and Dr. Shaver and staff at Arthritis & Rheumatology Clinic of Kansas has helped her through the tough times. She has enjoyed a long career in early childhood education and keeps her nursing license current. Kim also enjoys volunteering at her church and has participated in the Jingle Bell Run for over 16 years. Kim invites you to join her team – 
Lilly is your typical 12-year-old in almost every way. She enjoys hanging out with her friends, shopping, sports, and being active outside. You can’t tell by looking at her, but she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in September of 2022. Never one to complain much, she had 25 affected joints when she was diagnosed. Her symptoms are now well managed with medicines that she dislikes severely. Lilly and her family are ever grateful to her rheumatologist at Children’s Mercy. Lilly has big plans when she is older, as she wants to play soccer professionally.