Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 : Walking tall against a powerful enemy www.wickedlocal.com/beverly/sports/x1867423083/--Walking-tall-against\ -a-powerful-enemy Wed May 14, 2008, 08:21 PM EDT Beverly, Mass. - No matter what challenges were presented, has always risen to the occasion. The 14-year-old is living proof of what the human spirit can accomplish when the odds are stacked against it. For , those challenges occurred at a very early age. " When I was little, I remember having casts on my knees and how uncomfortable they were, " said . " When I was seven, it started making sense. Sometimes my knees would hurt, and it wasn't just because I had a bruise or anything; it was for a reason. " was suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a disabling disease that affects 50,000 children, including 5,900 in Massachusetts alone. along with her 10-year-old brother and parents Bob and Liz, will lead Team at the annual North Shore Arthritis Walk, Sunday, May 18, at Lynch Park. This will mark the fourth year the family has participated in the event, which will raise money for arthritis research. " If people help out in the Arthritis Foundation, then it will be easier to find a cure for this disease, " said. " I'm really excited to go to the walk, and I'm doing it with all my friends. " was just 16 months old, when her parents, Liz and Bob of North Beverly, first noticed that something wasn't right. Their youngster was having trouble walking, something she'd done regularly since the age of 10 months. " We could see little changes in her, where she really wouldn't walk, " Liz recalled. " And right before her feet would hit the floor, she'd pull them back up. We could see when we were just taking her pajamas off, we'd have to bend her legs and she'd be crying and her knees were warm. " Seriously concerned, the s brought their daughter to her pediatrician, who promptly sent them to Children's Hospital. was put through a battery of tests, which confirmed a diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, a disease with symptoms that include joint swelling and stiffness, among others. The s were floored by the news. " It was really kind of eye-opening because we really had no idea that kids could get that, " said Liz. " You think of arthritis with someone who has done a lot of sports and maybe had a previous injury and it can affect the joint that way, but you don't think of a baby who's not even two to have this. " " It was a little humbling, to say the least, because you just don't know what's going to happen, " the mother added. " You think your child is healthy and then something like that happens. " According to Liz , the doctors indicated that more than likely caught the disease following a bout with the flu. The bug must have awakened something inside her body, resulting in her condition, which primarily affects her knee, wrist and jaw. " She has a mild case of it, so we've been very lucky and very fortunate, " Liz said. " It can go into different parts of your body, and we've been fortunate that hasn't happened. visits five doctors every three to six months, including a pediatrician, rheumatoid specialist, optometrist and orthodontist. Her medical team at Children's Hospital trades notes on their patient, keeping everyone informed of any important developments. " We're fortunate to be close to hospitals right here in Boston, " said Liz " I can't say enough about Children's Hospital. They really know their stuff, and it was really comforting to know that we were in good hands. " is currently taking one medication that has so far combated the ill effects of JRA. Although symptoms have a tendency to flare from time-to-time, the 14-year-old Briscoe Middle School student has handled adversity well. " 's really been good about it, " her mother said. " This has been going on since she was not even two. She's always had medicine to take, and she really never complains. She knows that it's going to help her in the long run. " Being a good sport These days, sports have taken center stage in 's life. " At first I thought was really bad, but then I figured out that I was still able to do everyday activities. " wasted little time, keeping active playing a variety of sports from skiing and soccer, to gymnastics and cross-country. " The doctor said I wouldn't have any problem with playing sports and that it shouldn't stop me from playing, " she said. " I think of myself as equal to everybody else when it came to sports. " These days, can be found on the diamond, playing softball for the Red Sox in the Beverly Girls Softball League. A third baseman/pitcher, the right-handed hurler and her club picked up its first victory with a convincing 16-7 win over the Orioles last week. She has proven to be just as competitive on the slopes, where she reigned as a member of the Mt. Cranmore Ski Team this past winter, while also teaching ski lessons to children 8 and under. Staying competitive in athletics has been extremely beneficial for , both medically and recreationally. The family maintains a positive outlook, noting the possibility that the effect of JRA could lessen as gets older. In the meantime, she remains booked with plenty of games to play in the month ahead to keep her occupied. " She likes exercising, " said Liz. " She likes playing all these sports, and she knows that it's really good for her. " She doesn't let stop her from doing anything, " Liz said. " If you look at her, you wouldn't even know she had it unless I told you. " As for the future, would like to one day pursue a career, either as a fashion designer or kindergarten teacher. She's already gotten a taste for working with kids as a ski instructor. And she feels kids who are suffering from arthritis shouldn't let it be an obstacle in their lives. " If I can do it, they can do it, " said. " Some cases are worse then mine, but sometimes they're not, and they can do anything that they can put their mind to. " One thing is for sure: has a winning attitude, which should keep her in the athletic arena for many years to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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