The Arthritis Foundation’s Bone Bash is an inspiring annual event that brings together community members, healthcare professionals and those affected by arthritis to raise awareness and funds for crucial research and support. This year’s event highlighted remarkable stories of individuals battling arthritis daily, alongside the medical honorees who leverage their personal experiences to advocate for others.
Earlier this year, we announced that Central Indiana Orthopedics surgeon Dr. Brent Damer was selected as Medical Honoree for this year’s event. The Arthritis Foundation depends on donations and sponsorships to sustain its vital work, and every contribution supports research, resources and community events that empower individuals with arthritis to lead active lives. As the Medical Honoree, Dr. Damer set an ambitious goal to raise $23,000 to support the Arthritis Foundation’s work in pursuing a cure for arthritis. We are thrilled to share that he not only met but exceeded this goal, raising an impressive $26,000!
On Saturday, October 12th, our team came together at the Bone Bash Birds of a Feather fundraiser to honor Dr. Damer, whose patients identified him as a significant influence in reducing their arthritis pain. Dr. Damer’s personal connection to arthritis began with his uncle, who battled rheumatoid arthritis. “Seeing him deal with this disease day in and day out, especially as a semi-professional golfer forced to give up his dream, really hit home for me,” Dr. Damer shared. Dr. Damer’s early exposure to joint replacement procedures during medical school further inspired him to become an orthopedic surgeon, as he saw how the procedure allowed people with arthritis to restore their lives.
Dr. Damer emphasizes the importance of understanding that while arthritis is the leading debilitating condition in America, there are numerous options for management. These range from surgical interventions to non-surgical approaches, such as physical therapy, injections and lifestyle changes like weight management. His advocacy for a holistic view of arthritis treatment highlights the many resources available to improve quality of life for those affected.
Patients like Jim Garringer, who has undergone multiple joint replacements with Dr. Damer, spoke about his journey from an avid runner to managing arthritis in his hips and knees. “When I met Dr. Damer, I was impressed by his cordiality, expertise and breadth of knowledge,” Jim shared. “Over eight years, I had both hips and both knees replaced by him. He’s a caring, professional and thoughtful man with a great sense of humor.” You can read more about Jim’s inspiring story at https://ciocenter.com/blog/stories-that-move-us-jim-garringer/.
Dr. Damer’s involvement with the Arthritis Foundation has only deepened as he learned about its mission. “To help keep people with arthritis active and moving, we need resources, research, activities and advocacy. The Arthritis Foundation provides all of this,” he said. “To continue this mission, they need funding — it’s a great organization to support.”
Supporting the Arthritis Foundation means contributing to a cause that touches the lives of countless individuals. Central Indiana Orthopedics and Dr. Damer’s commitment and successful fundraising efforts exemplify the positive impact that can come from compassionate advocacy and community engagement. Together, we can help ensure that those living with arthritis have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Learn more about the Arthritis Foundation and hear from this year’s medical honorees about what inspires them to support the foundation in the video below. Plus, check out this year’s event pictures featuring our group, including some standout outfits and our best-dressed winners!
2024 Bone Bash Event Photos
The CIO team proudly supporting Dr. Damer’s recognition and the important work of the Arthritis Foundation.
Dr. Brent Damer accepting his award as Medical Honoree.
Dr. Herbst and Dr. Damer celebrate after the award presentation.
Natalie McClintick, NP, with her husband Ted. Natalie plays a crucial role in supporting patients during their joint replacement recovery. If you have a hip or knee replacement at Central Indiana Orthopedics, she provides a bracelet with her name and contact number, ensuring you can reach her 24/7 with any questions or concerns. This dedicated support gives patients peace of mind during their recovery.
Mic drop for Dr. Brian Badman’s outfit! He fully embraced the Birds of a Feather theme. Dr. Badman is our expert shoulder surgeon, but you won’t see him this flashy in the office or surgery! 😉
Dr. Badman accepting his award for Best Dressed Male.
And we have another winner! Natalie McClintick was awarded Best Dressed Female—she looked amazing!
Congratulations to Natalie and Dr. Badman for your incredible looks!
Meet part of Dr. Damer’s team: Theresa Robertson and Amanda Gill! You’ll find Theresa and Amanda in Dr. Damer’s clinic when you come in for an appointment.
Theresa Robertson with her husband Corey and Amanda Gill with her husband Mike.
Trey Bland, PA, with his wife Kianna. Trey is Dr. Damer’s Physician Assistant and right-hand man!
Dr. John Martin and his wife Alex. Dr. Martin is one of CIO’s hip and knee replacement surgeons, specializing in Mako robotic surgery.
Dr. Steve Herbst, CIO’s current President and foot and ankle surgeon.
Dr. Jamie Kay, CIO hip and knee replacement surgeon, bidding on concert suite tickets—and he won! Fun fact: Dr. Kay has had both knees replaced by Dr. Damer using Mako robotic technology and recently hiked 23 miles at the Grand Canyon! You can read more about his joint replacement journey here.
Thank you to the Arthritis Foundation for providing invaluable resources to those living with arthritis!
All the honorees from the Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash event, featuring Dr. Brent Damer as the Medical Honoree.
Celebrating the Bone Bash 2024 honorees and corporate chair awards.