2024 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

Max Oberg Systemic Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Youth Honoree Meet Max. A kind, smart, and focused 8-year-old who loves boardgames, lacrosse, jiu jitsu, mountain biking, and four-square.  He is in third grade and has been accepted into the highly capable program for his math abilities and reads above his grade level. He is polite and is always complimented for how he treats others.  On the outside Max seems happy and healthy, but he internally manages an invisible illness daily.  When people meet Max, they are always surprised to learn our story.   Click here to support Max and learn more about his story.

 

Mandy Colman Psoriatic Arthritis  Adult Honoree Mandy was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis in January of 2018 at the age of 41. While at work as an infusion nurse, she noticed she was having a hard time spiking IV bags and opening packages. Her hands were stiff and painful, and she had been struggling for some time with pain in the back of her knees when standing up. Initially brushing it off as “getting older” and feeling "overweight”, until it dawned on her that her family's history of arthritis held the answers to her issues.  She is thankful to be a nurse working with the same type of patients, and to have the access to great healthcare with providers who listen, and the knowledge to get what she needs. As a result, she was diagnosed fairly quickly and began treatment to slow the progression. This allowed better pain management and the ability to become the active person she has been since. She has completed over 200 races ranging from 5k to Half Marathons.

 

Kori Dewing Medical Honoree Kori was raised by a mother who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her 30’s, so she has a personal connection to the importance of the work of the Arthritis Foundation. When she finished school to become a nurse practitioner over 20 years ago, she was intrigued by the science of the new medications being developed, and took a position as an adult rheumatology nurse practitioner. At that time, nurse practitioners working in rheumatology were rare. Through her volunteer work with organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation and the American College of Rheumatology, she has been involved in leadership at the local and national level, supporting educational initiatives focused on training and supporting nurse practitioners and other rheumatology interprofessionals, helping to improve access and care for patients with arthritis.

 

 

Merlin Schnell Dog Honoree Merlin Schnell, a sweet (not so golden) doodle, is 7 years old with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis which continues to worsen every year. He loves playing fetch, swimming, taste-testing treats, and traveling with his family. Merlin started Librela for his conditions earlier this year. Thanks to new medical developments, Merlin is more active throughout the day, comfortable lying down, and capable going up stairs in comparison to last year. This leads to more happy times playing fetch!