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2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Alejandra Rodriguez-Paez, MD, CCD
Illinois Bone and Joint Institute
Medical Honoree


Dr. Rodriguez grew up in Bogota, Colombia. She always knew she wanted to be a doctor, driven by her passion for caregiving and helping others. She went to school at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogota and then the Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. 

Since 2023, she has proudly served as Vice Chair of Rheumatology at the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute.

In her free time, Dr. Rodriguez enjoys attending Zumba classes. She also loves being a “soccer mom” to her teenage boys and supporting them in their athletic pursuits. 

 

Ariel Klein
Psoriatic Arthritis
Adult Honoree


Ariel’s arthritis journey began with a virtual doctor’s appointment. An astute doctor provided an immediate diagnosis after examining her nails and toes.

While some things remain a challenge, Ariel is most proud of what she can do while living with arthritis, along with the overwhelming support she has received.

In her free time, Ariel likes to listen to music, play billiards and cook. 

Ariel’s goal is to increase awareness, share her story, and provide hope and resources for those affected by arthritis. She wants people to know that no matter what life throws at you, you can come out on top!

 

 

Hannah Babcock
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Teen Honoree


Hannah has never known a life without arthritis, but she considers herself tenacious and tries not to let anything get in her way.

She is most proud of her athletic career, being able to play sports she loves.  Hannah just finished her seventh year playing volleyball competitively.

Hannah says, “I am also proud of the sympathetic person I have become. Arthritis taught me you might not know what's going on in someone's personal life and to always treat people with kindness."

Hannah is looking forward to college and studying physical therapy, helping children, like people helped her throughout her life. 

 

 

Harper Cramer
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree


Harper’s diagnosis journey began at only three years old when her family noticed she was experiencing knee pain. At eight years old, she experienced other compounding symptoms such as high fevers and a rash. She then spent a week at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital before being diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Harper is now ten and very involved in the arthritis community!

The Arthritis Foundation provides Harper and her family with support and community events that her and her family love going to. Harper says, “The foundation has helped me make friends that have arthritis like me! It made me feel so much better knowing I wasn’t alone!”

Harper loves to read, figure skate, spend time with friends, make bracelets, participate in Girl Scouts and care for her two dogs. She hopes to be a veterinarian, an Olympic figure skater, and to find a cure for arthritis.