Who We Are
Hair Peace & Hope 5K Run/Walk is a branch of Women of H.O.P.E. (Health Occupations Promoting Education), a Florida nonprofit organization, led by Dr. Paula Anderson, whose mission is to empower under-served communities through health education, such as health fairs, and medical outreach since 2001.
Mission Statement
To educate, inspire, and support individuals affected by Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and autoimmune conditions. We do this through community awareness and direct assistance that improve quality of life and restore hope.
About
Hair Peace & Hope 5K Run/Walk, founded in 2016, is an annual community movement in Miramar, Florida dedicated to supporting people living with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and other autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis. The mission began with a focus on providing hair prostheses for hair loss and expanded to assist with medical copays, transportation, and wellness needs.
How It All Began
Kay Martinek, a professional hair stylist, had a friend experiencing extreme hair loss and was deeply moved by her friend's battle with MCTD. Determined to bring awareness to this condition, Kay combined her love for running and partnered with longtime friend Dr. Paula Anderson to bring about the Hair Peace & Hope 5K Run/Walk. That friend and inspiration behind Hair Peace & Hope is Tanya Millhomme-Simmons. Diagnosed in 1994 with MCTD, Tanya continues to overcome on a daily basis remaining strong and keeping her faith in God.
Meet the Team
Paula Anderson
President, Women of H.O.P.E.
Anita Petteway-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
Community Outreach,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Donna Judith Skees
Finance Officer,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Donna-Marie Duncan
Marketing & Branding,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Yshia Condezo
Social Media Manager & Content Creator,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Roxann & Denton Kidd
Community Outreach,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Yolanda Ulett
Event Coordinator,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Isabel Teiszler
Event Coordinator,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
Planning Members
Yvonne P. Morris, Karen Mitchell, Jamie Robinson, Karen Walters, Sallie Wright, and Dr. Patricia Bloodworth.
About Our Ambassador
The Story of Tanya Milhomme-Simmons
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.
