Skip to main content.

2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Haleem Mohammed, MD, MBA
Gameday Men's Health
Corporate Chair 


Dr. Hal is a board-certified, award-winning internal medicine physician executive dedicated to men’s health. A former stockbroker turned physician, he trained at AIMMC in Chicago, where he was voted class representative and won "Resident of the Year."

Despite helping men optimize their health, Dr. Hal faces his own battle with arthritis—Stage 3a Kienböck’s disease, a rare condition causing chronic pain and reduced mobility in his dominant hand. His firsthand experience with frustrating symptoms, treatment challenges, and the impact on daily life has deepened his commitment to early diagnosis, proper treatment, and patient advocacy—not just for men’s health but for those struggling with chronic conditions.

Through Gameday Men’s Health, he champions longevity, lifestyle, and precision medicine, offering treatments focused on overall wellness, hormone optimization, medically supervised weight loss, male sexual health and performance, advanced diagnostics, muscle recovery, and more. His leadership and dedication have earned Congressional Recognition and multiple business awards, making him a driving force in patient-centered healthcare innovation.

Join or support Dr. Hal and his team, Team Gameday!

 

Dr. Kristina Wiers-Shamir
Pediatric Rheumatology at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Rheumatology Medical Honoree


Dr. Kristina Wiers-Shamir is a pediatric rheumatologist at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, specializing in the treatment of various rheumatologic conditions, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Juvenile Dermatomyositis, periodic fever syndromes, Behcet’s Disease, and Vasculitis.

Passionate about pediatric rheumatology, Dr. Wiers-Shamir values clinical examination and patient storytelling as essential diagnostic tools. With rheumatology advancing rapidly, new discoveries and treatments offer hope. Given the chronic nature of these conditions, Dr. Wiers-Shamir builds strong relationships with patients and families, ensuring personalized care. Believing in a team approach, she emphasizes family involvement in every child’s healthcare journey.

Join or Support Dr. Wiers-Shamir's team, 
JDCH's Joint Effort, today!

 

Dr. James MacKenzie
Memorial Health System
Orthopedic Medical Honoree


Dr. James MacKenzie is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Memorial Health System, specializing in surgical and nonsurgical treatment of sports injuries. He performs arthroscopic, minimally invasive, and robotic joint replacement procedures. Treating patients like family, Dr. MacKenzie prioritizes conservative care when possible.

Previously, he served as an assistant team physician for the Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, and other athletic programs. Passionate about global health, Dr. MacKenzie has provided care worldwide and co-founded Global Orthopedics at Johns Hopkins. Outside work, he enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter, staying active, and spending time with family.

 

Sophia Samuel
Polyarticular Juvenile
Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree


Six-year-old Sophia Samuel, a ray of sunshine in South Florida, faced a hidden battle. What began as a seemingly innocent fall transformed into a diagnosis of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Early mornings became a struggle to walk, leading to tests, X-rays, and a knee aspiration. But Sophia refused to be defined by her condition. With her family's unwavering support, she navigated treatment, embracing an active life. Even a recent setback with a hip hospitalization couldn't dim her spirit. Gymnastics, basketball, singing, and caring for her chickens filled her days. Sophia's resilience shone through, proving that arthritis wouldn't conquer her joy.

Join or support Sophia and her team,
Gentle Teeth & Braces.