AnneMarie K. McComb Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Adult Honoree AnneMarie McComb was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at the age of 16. Her symptoms started in her skin, but quickly spread to her joints, including her fingers, jaw, wrists, ankles, hips, and knees. AnneMarie had always had a passion for dance and was a member of her high school drill team. Though she feared this disease would prevent her from pursuing her love for dance, she persevered and became a two-year member of her college dance team at Southern Methodist University. She also was an active member of her college sorority. AnneMarie graduated college cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature with honors and departmental distinction, and a minor in Spanish in December, 2015. She started at Baylor Law School in February, 2016 and graduated from law school in July, 2018. After passing the bar exam, AnneMarie now practices law in as a civil litigation attorney with a firm in downtown Austin. Though she no longer dances, she now sings in her local church’s praise band. “I have been on biologic medications for many years and have had steroid injections. Though I am currently in near remission, the past few years have been far from easy. I owe everything to my amazing family and friends, who have loved and supported me through it all. My involvement with the Arthritis Foundation through advocacy at the national, state, and local level has increased my love of the law and I hope to use my experiences to help others. I want to thank the Arthritis Foundation for this opportunity and for their never-ending efforts to help those with arthritis. I truly believe this illness has changed me for the better, and I remain positive and hopeful about my future health and accomplishments.” |
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