Hair Peace & Hope 5K
A division of Women of H.O.P.E.
Who We Are
Hair Peace & Hope 5K is an annual run/walk event founded by Kay Martinek in 2016 when she discovered the need to support those with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), an autoimmune disease.
Kay partnered with Women of H.O.P.E. (Health Occupations Promoting Education), a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, to make this event possible!
Our Mission
Our mission is to bring awareness of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and support those living with autoimmune diseases.
We aim to bring people together to celebrate the lives of those currently battling an autoimmune disease, remember loved ones, and help to raise funds for hair prosthesis (wigs) for women and men with hair loss due to an autoimmune disease and other areas of need.
We invite walkers, runners, joggers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) of all ages to come out and participate. Even if you can’t join in the race, come support a great cause and have a good time doing so!
Meet the Team
Paula Anderson, DO – MPH
President, Women of H.O.P.E.
Anita Pettiway Tyler, MD
Vice-President & Co-Founder, Women of H.O.P.E.
Kay Martinek
Founder, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Tanya Millhomme-Simmons, ESQ.
Ambassador, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Luzan Phillpotts, DO – MPH
Community Outreach, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Donna Judith Skees
Finance Officer, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Donna-Marie Duncan
Marketing, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Yshia Condezo
Social Media Manager, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Yolanda Ulett
Volunteer, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Isabel Teiszle
Volunteer, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Debra Wood
Volunteer, Hair Peace & Hope 5K
The Story of Tanya Milhomme-Simmons
About Our Ambassador
If I had a dime for every time I heard, “You don’t look sick,” over the years, I probably wouldn’t have to work anymore. Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s defense system attacks itself.
Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t have just one autoimmune disease—I have several. MCTD is referred to as an overlap disease because its signs and symptoms are a combination of disorders, including Lupus, scleroderma, and polymyositis. People with MCTD may experience symptoms of multiple autoimmune diseases.
There’s still time. Your donation is needed and most valued.
Help people living with autoimmune diseases receive the care and attention they need.