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2024 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Laura Blackorby
Fifth Third Bank
Corporate Chair


Laura has been battling rheumatoid arthritis for 30+ years. She is a marathon runner turned marathon race walker who chose to run her first marathon in 2015 to show the disease that it didn’t have control over her, but rather, she had control over it! The Jingle Bell Run has always been an event near and dear to Laura, and to all her friends and family who join her team “Laura’s Belles” each year. Laura notes that without all the people in her life, she would not be here today standing strong, standing at all, without their constant support.

 

Kevin Bonfield, MD
St. Elizabeth Physicians
Medical Honoree


Kevin Bonfield is currently a primary care and sports medicine physician with St. Elizabeth Physicians. He grew up in the Greater Cincinnati area in Alexandria, KY. He attended college at Northern Kentucky University, and while there ran cross country and track for the Norse. After college, he went on to obtain his medical degree and complete his residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Kentucky. Post residency he moved to Nashville, TN where he joined the Commodores for his Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship. While in the sports medicine office, he provides non-operative orthopedic care to patients of all ages and activity level.

 

Siena Jackson
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree


Siena Jackson is 17 years old and was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in her jaw when she was 14. She’s been through countless appointments, medical procedures, and medications in efforts to resolve the erosion of her jawbone. After two years of weekly injections, Siena's most recent MRI showed no signs of inflammation proving her current medications are effective. Siena thrives on keeping busy and active with her church youth group, tennis, bowling, golf, theater, and other leadership clubs at school. She loves a good challenge! Siena loves to be with her family and friends, hanging out and making memories. She is very excited for this year’s Jingle Bell Run and wishes everyone a good time!

 

Elise Overstake
Sibling Honoree


Elise was just 5 years old when her little sister, Norah, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. From the beginning, she’s been a loving, supportive big sister, often coming up with clever ways to encourage Norah and cheer her up. She makes videos to encourage her sister on “shot days” and gathers cards and encouraging messages from friends and family to help Norah feel loved and supported. She has always been patient and understanding while Norah gets special attention with extra doctor appointments and medical care. Read More

 

Richard Eckhardt
Arthritis Wellness Champion


Having many family members stricken with arthritis, Rick has always been attuned to the debilitating effects of the disease. Rick remembers his father participating in the Jingle Bell Run in its earliest days. Until 2022, Rick had never participated himself but in September of 2021, Rick went through cardiac arrest for 55 minutes and after an extended stay in intensive care, Rick was finally able to start rehabilitation and the oncoming weeks presented challenges. Read More