Faith Larson, age 16, has played basketball since 4th grade, even while being diagnosed at the age of 6 with Rheumatoid Juvenile Arthritis. She still played throughout elementary, middle and the first two years of high school. JRA caused her to stop playing basketball due to excessive running and jumping. JRA was a result in her having Chronic Uveitis in her left eye. Faith has had pain in her hips, knees and ankles, along with pain in other joints including her wrists and jaw. Faith could not play her junior year and was devastated, she continues and plans on playing her senior year. With a positive mindset, she doesn’t plan on letting JRA get in the way of her dreams.
Ever since she was 6, Faith has gone through Infusions, and other medications to help her walk on a day to day basis. Until 10 years later, the Infusions stopped having its effect and resulted in her knees flaring up more recently than ever. She began a new infusion medication but would like to say that even in the hard times, the struggles of being different from others and not being able to do the things you love because of an illness is devastating. In the long run no matter how hard the treatment CAN be, in the end you will look back at the hard times and realize the growth you have gained.
She would like to thank her rheumatologist, Dr. Chira, for pointing her towards the Arthritis Foundation. It has made her realize she is not alone in the journey. Giving a great Thank You to the Arthritis Foundation, our Faith still has hope! And she wishes hope to spread upon everyone who has Arthritis.
“Don’t let the Arthritis have control, you take control and you make the best out of it!”
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