Taylor B.

I was diagnosed at 18 months of age in 2000, with Pauciarticular JIA. As I grew my arthritis did as well. More joints became involved and my diagnosis changed to Polyarticular JIA. The joints that have been affected are my ankles, toes, knees, right wrist, and jaw. The most damage was done to my jaw.

I have had multiple jaw surgeries, on medications for as long as I can remember, and countless cortisone injections, MRI’s CT scans, and doctor appointments. It has affected my education in college. I struggle to get to classes, due to arthritis flares. I have missed a lot of classes.

My mom volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation when I was diagnosed. My family has vowed to work until the day there is a cure for this unfair debilitating disease.

Courtney B.

I was diagnosed just this year with osteoarthritis due to a traumatic injury.

I, unfortunately, injured my left knee twice. It is frustrating with the limitations I have at times. My heart and brain likes to think of myself as a young person, yet my body tells me I am much older than I am chronologically.

My daughter Taylor was diagnosed at 18 months of age, she is now 20. Arthritis is all our family has known for the last 19 years. When Taylor was about 5 she asked me “Why did God give me this?” How in the world do you even begin to answer that question?