2025 Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour's Mission Ambassadors
Mission Ambassadors
Amy Rogers
Shinju Morris
Arcadia, California
Shinju Morris, of California, was on her high school fencing team when she first noticed her “hot knees,” but it wasn’t until she was 26 that a rheumatologist diagnosed her with ankylosing spondylitis. Shinju is now planning for a knee replacement after her recent diagnosis — osteoarthritis. She remains resilient and is excited to be both a mission ambassador and a volunteer for the Arthritis Foundation’s inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour.
Cheer Shinju on and view her participant page here.
Mitch Briningstool
Brentwood, Tennessee
Mitch Briningstool, of Tennessee, the brother of former Clemson University tight end Jake Briningstool, has faced significant challenges from juvenile idiopathic arthritis since he was 2. Despite the hardships, Mitch, now in his mid-20s, remains a beacon of strength and positivity for his family, particularly for Jake, who is passionate about raising awareness and funds for vital research for arthritis. Mitch says he’s honored to be a mission ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation’s inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour.
Natalie Decker Lemke
Salisbury, Carolina
For as long as she can remember, Natalie Decker Lemke has always wanted to be a NASCAR driver. And despite being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at age 2, Natalie has accomplished that goal — and so much more. Today, the NASCAR driver is also a mom and a strong advocate of the Arthritis Foundation. Over the years, Natalie has worked with the Foundation in many capacities — through Live Yes! Connect Groups, JA Camps and most recently, as a Carolina Hills Classic Mission Ambassador.
Cheer Natalie on and view her participant page here.
Chef Biju Thomas
Bentonville, Arkansas
Since 2011, Chef Biju Thomas has struggled with gout — a form of arthritis that appears with sudden, painful attacks.
A lifelong cyclist, Chef Biju has cooked for professional cycling teams, Burning Man attendees and more. He hosts The Road Less Eaten on Outside TV and has authored several books.
Chef Biju will join the inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour as a national Celebrity Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation, and as a rider.
Cheer Chef Biju on and view his participant page here.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Tess, of North Carolina, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) at age 6 and is a testament to resilience. She says, “It might be scary at first, but there are many resources to help you, such as the Arthritis Foundation.
Tess is excited to be an ambassador for the Foundation’s inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour. She says, “It is important to be brave and to remember that there is a community of support to help.”
2025 Mission Ambassadors
Amy Rogers
Sacramento, California
Amy Rogers, of California, was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) in her early 50s. The OA started with soreness and tingling in her hands and has since affected her feet and knees. She’s honored to be an ambassador for the Foundation’s inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour and reminds participants about the important role the Foundation serves in so many lives — including her own — providing a bounty of information about treatments and how to live their best lives.
Cheer Amy on and view her participant page here.
Tampa, Florida
Mila’s juvenile arthritis (JA) journey started just after her second birthday. She had struggled to walk and was eventually diagnosed with a septic knee joint and hospitalized. Bloodwork confirmed Mila had JA — which eventually affected her knees, right ankle, toes and wrist. Thanks to the right treatments, Mila, now 4, has been in medicated remission for over two years and is excited to be a mission ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation’s inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour.