2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

Varun Bhalla, MD, FACR
Valley Arthritis Care
Rheumatology Honoree

Varun Bhalla, MD, is a fellowship-trained rheumatologist specializing in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Practicing at Valley Arthritis Care in the North and West Valley, he emphasizes shared decision-making, compassionate care, and patient education to help individuals take control of their health. Known for his attentive and evidence-based approach, Dr. Bhalla is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that enhance quality of life.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys golfing, spending time with his new niece, and staying active with high-intensity interval workouts. He values strong doctor-patient relationships built on trust, communication, and a commitment to overall well-being.

J. Tyler Enders, DO
AZ Ortho
Medical Honoree

J. Tyler Enders, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at AZ Ortho in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Enders specializes in sports related injuries, shoulder pathology, and arthroscopic procedures. 

Dr. Enders is passionate about helping his patients regain their independence and mobility. He is dedicated to providing the most comprehensive and innovative care from your initial evaluation through your post operative rehabilitation. Dr. Enders believes in treating each patient like family by getting to know them and giving them the time and attention to have all their concerns addressed. Having had sports injuries and orthopedic procedures himself, he can empathize with his patients and is committed to providing the best possible outcomes.

In his free time, Dr. Enders enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, hiking, rock climbing, traveling, and playing guitar.

Dawn Bellingham
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Adult Honoree

Dawn’s “Beautiful Pain” journey began at age two. Her parents thought she was a colic baby as she cried when they picked her up. Searching for answers, they found them through a Navy doctor at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He supported her parents in moving to Arizona. At age four they relocated to The Valley of the Sun.

From age 4-8, Dawn was treated by a doctor who saw elderly patients, with gold and cortisone shots. She was treated with pressure point therapy. At age 30 Dawn had her 1st surgery. Now, Dawn has endured 9 arthritis-related surgeries including her feet, hips, knees, & ankle.

Maya Huestis
Juvenile Arthritis
Teen Honoree

Maya, 17, was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis at age 15 after years of joint pain. During a flare, she spent 6 months in a wheelchair, undiagnosed, and confused about the pain she was experiencing. Despite all of this, she continued attending high school, and even performed in the school musical- “dancing” from her chair.

Since then, arthritis medication has transformed her life and allowed her to regain her independence. In being an Arthritis Warrior, she hopes to raise awareness, fundraise for a cure, and support others who suffer from arthritis.

Teagan
Juvenile Arthritis
Youth Honoree

Teagan, 10 years old, lives with Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA), a rare and severe form of arthritis that affects her entire body, including her joints, organs, and tissues. Despite facing daily pain and fatigue, she refuses to let SJIA stop her from doing the things she loves. A determined fifth grader, Teagan continues to play lacrosse, immerse herself in the magical world of Harry Potter, create intricate Lego designs, and bring kindness and joy to her friendships. Her courage and resilience inspires everyone around her as she shows that her strength and determination are far greater than the challenges she faces.