2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Nicole Orzechowski, DO Rheumatology & Associate Professor at UNC Chapel Hill Medical Honoree Nicole Orzechowski, DO, is a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology. She earned her medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by an Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. As the medical director of UNC’s Rheumatology clinic, she is committed to delivering cutting-edge, personalized and compassionate care for patients with autoimmune Rheumatic disorders living in North Carolina. Her practice includes the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, and she cares for patients with a wide variety of other autoimmune conditions including lupus, vasculitis, scleroderma, myositis, and sarcoidosis. Dr. Orzenchowski is honored to be the medical honoree for the 2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis.

 

 

Takieyah Mathis Psoriatic Arthritis Adult Honoree Takieyah Mathis is a 32-year-old Fayetteville, NC native, wife, mother of two, and entrepreneur. From her early days as a published poet, model, actress, semi-pro dancer, and MC, to walking the runway in the Bronner Bros Hair Show, Takieyah has consistently channeled her creativity into meaningful pursuits. Today, she is the founder of The Standing Light Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering others, and the co-owner of Dmathisphere Gallery LLC, a space fostering creativity and community. She continues to raise awareness for individuals living with psoriasis, eczema, lupus, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), vitiligo, alopecia, and mental health challenges, which she sees as central to all healing. Takieyah’s diagnosis encourages her to use her voice and platform not only for herself, but others as well.  Join or Support Takieyah's team, the Arthritis Avengers, today!

 

 

Sloane Braun Oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Youth Honoree Sloane is 9 years old, and moved to eastern North Carolina with her family from the West Coast as a toddler. She loves all animals, especially orangutans. She aspires to be an exotic animal veterinarian someday! When she is not daydreaming about the jungles of Borneo, she loves to play with her friends, frolic at the beach no matter how cold it is, and quash her father in board games.   Sloane has struggled with health issues since she was a baby, and she and her family only recently discovered arthritis as the cause. They are now working on a treatment plan with amazing doctors. Autoimmune diseases are often invisible, and most of the time people in her life don’t realize that she is suffering. She and her family are hoping to spread the message that people of all ages can be affected by chronic illness and that there are many ways to help! Join or Support Sloane's team, the Down East Dashers, today!