2025 Walk to Cure Arthritis Honorees

 

Dr. Beth Chalom Cooperman Barnabas Med. Center Medical Honoree   Beth Chalom is the director of pediatric rheumatology at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.  She has been a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation since she was a fellow in Philadelphia, and she has been very involved in the NJ chapter since she started practicing in 1995. She was one of the founders of the Walk to Cure Arthritis in NJ 20 years ago, and she has been a leader in the Walk every year since then. Dr. Chalom also helped start the NJ summer camp for children with rheumatologic conditions and is very involved in the annual Juvenile Arthritis Days.  She plans to continue to raise money and awareness of childhood rheumatologic disorders, and hopes that one day she will see a cure!

 

 

Tony Celentano Psoriatic Arthritis Adult Honoree   Tony's arthritis journey began with a formal diagnosis at the age of 21. "You have Psoriatic Arthritis" a resident and doctor both told Tony shortly into his first visit to the rheumatologist. Those four words answered so many questions after years of seeing different specialists and giving up on getting answers to - why was my skin so dry and patchy as a kid? Why did my joints hurt so much in high school?  Why are my knees swollen? Why am I so tired and in pain? Yet those words also brought about many new questions which Tony has navigated alongside support from family, friends, and peers in the Arthritis Foundation. Today, Tony is a proud father and husband, with more answers to his questions. But there continue to be questions that need answers and he hopes his story helps promote the steps necessary to get those answers for all. Support or join Tony's team today!

 

 

Amanda Hermann Systemic and Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Young Adult Honoree Amanda’s arthritis journey started at age 14. After two years of hospital trips, blood tests, imaging, and surgery, she was diagnosed with systemic and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (spJIA), which affected multiple organs and every major and minor joint in her body. She immediately started taking a biologic. While she has had some ups and downs, Amanda has been stable for a number of years.  Amanda is pursuing a career in Pediatric Rheumatology. She is in the process of applying to medical school and osteopathic schools. She shares her story to show all kids with JIA that anything is possible.

 

Parker Tooley Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Teen Honoree   Parker Tooley is a dedicated freshman at Columbia High School and a passionate dancer whose life was forever changed after being diagnosed with arthritis after seven months of uncertainty and pain. Despite the challenges, she continues to pursue her love for movement with strength and determination. Parker is incredibly honored to have been chosen as the Arthritis Foundation’s Honorary Teen for the state of New Jersey—a role that allows her to raise awareness and advocate for others living with this disease. With the Foundation’s support, she’s committed to sharing her story and inspiring hope for a stronger, more understood future. Support or Join Parker's team, Fight for JRA!

 

 

Emma Busick Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Youth Honoree   At age 4, Emma’s parents noticed her limping and her right ankle swollen. After months of blood tests and specialists, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) affecting two joints in her ankle and foot. Emma began Methotrexate, which reduced the inflammation on her ankle, but swelling persisted on her foot. She then started a biologic, which has eliminated the inflammation entirely. Her Methotrexate dosage was reduced, and she’s on track to hopefully taper off both medications this year. Emma remains her funny, active, and fearless self. She shares her story to raise awareness and inspire hope for a cure for JIA.