Yes, kids get arthritis too! Sonja had a rare blood disorder and was to receive surgery at age four. About four to five months prior, her family and doctors noticed that she did not move too well and her joints were stiff. They thought that it may have been from the blood disorder. But a month after surgery when the stiffness didn’t go away, she was diagnosed. It has affected all her joints. She has even struggled with rheumatic fever during all this.
“At school when we have fire drills it is hard to walk fast,” says Sonja. “I have a special stroller to help me walk. I take lots of medicine daily at school. I go to see a doctor every three months to help me and to see if my arthritis gets worse. I also have to go to an eye doctor. I don’t like having arthritis because it always hurts all my joints and affects how I am able to do stuff.”
Read Sonja’s full story and other stories of children as young as 16 months afflicted by juvenile arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation aims to put a face to the disease and get everyone connected to build a strong, active community–virtual and personal.
On May 16, participate in a dialog with our friends from the Arthritis Foundation about putting a face (and voice) to your mission. Register early and bring your friends at no charge.
Thursday, May 16
5:30–8:00pm
i.c.stars
415 N Dearborn, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60654
