Vanessa Hamler
Atlanta Jingle Bell Run Committee Chair
 For 13 years, Vanessa has been dedicated to supporting the arthritis community through volunteering, driven by a passion to make a lasting, positive impact. Volunteering allows her to champion important causes, lend a hand to those in need, and be part of meaningful change.
Vanessa finds it incredibly rewarding to work alongside others who share a commitment to improving lives, and she appreciates the personal growth that comes from giving back. Together, Vanessa says, we’re building a brighter future for those affected by arthritis.
Support Vanessa and her team, Unstoppable, on their team fundraising page. |
As a young lady Shekesha knew what she wanted out of life, so when arthritis started limiting her abilities, she needed answers. Living with chronic arthritis is not for the faint. She found out her arthritis had advanced, and started losing her capability to walk. Unbeknownst to her, she had a bone disease in her hips, causing her joints to lose blood circulation. Being her doctor's youngest patient, she advocated the importance of living for the now. She had her first replacement at 36 years of age, and it took an entire village to get her to where she is today.
Tillie is a 14-year-old who refuses to let juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) slow her down. Thanks to her care team at CHOA and the love from her family, friends, coaches, and teachers, Tillie embraces life with cheerful enthusiasm. She’s a formidable middle hitter on her school’s JV and Tsunami's Elite volleyball teams, a passionate cello player, and enjoys spending her summer boating and hiking at Camp Merrie Woode. Whether she’s hanging out with friends or studying at school, Tillie does it all with a smile. As the teen honoree for the Jingle Bell Run, she hopes to inspire other kids to keep pursuing their passions!
Dr. Sam Vojdani is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacements. He is an expert in minimally invasive hip replacement, quadriceps-sparing knee replacement, robotic and computer-assisted surgeries, and outpatient joint replacements. Dr. Vojdani focuses on teamwork with patients and providers to enhance the patient experience and help people return to their favorite activities. His expertise includes complex revision surgeries and non-surgical arthritis care. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, culinary experiences, and spending time with his family.