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 to Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) and support those living with autoimmune conditions. We aim to bring communities across South Florida together to celebrate the lives of those currently battling an autoimmune condition, 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. Whether walking, running, jogging, or rolling, or simply showing support from the sidelines, we invite you to join us in celebration, compassion, and purpose while advancing a cause that makes a lasting impact.
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
Multimedia Producer,
Hair Peace & Hope 5K
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.
