I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in the early 1980's when I  started displaying symptoms at five years old. One day I would be outside playing and running around with the rest of the kids, and the next day I could not bend my legs to get out of bed.  Doctors told me I would more than likely be wheelchair bound come early adulthood. 

The things I remember most about living with JRA as a child are taking endless pills and constantly changing medications.  Some of them caused ulcers, others would make me vomit, and some did nothing at all.  I was very frail and sick looking at times, but I never let arthritis diminish my determination for a normal and happy life.  My parents were wonderful in helping me to cope with this disease.  They were compassionate, but they were firm.  Arthritis was a part of me, but they weren't going to let it define me, and I am so grateful for that!    

I am now a wife and stay at home mom of two young boys, Brayden and Mason.  It can be exhausting, and at times I feel my body may snap in half, but keeping up with my boys is important to me.  Even on the most difficult day all I have to do is hear them call, "momma", and I know I have to keep going.

I have been in pain for basically my entire life. Because I developed arthritis at such a young age, I don't really know what it?s like to not be in pain. The medications help, but at some point during the day, it hurts.  Despite all this, my life revolves around so much more than arthritis. Throughout the years, I have learned to listen to my body and to live an active life with JRA.

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