Madalyn Yu
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree

At the age of 3, Madalyn saw medical doctors, received physical therapy and had x-rays and lab work done for her elbow for 3 months until she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in December 2015.  Madalyn was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, a diagnosis which signified that she had more than five inflamed joints.  According to the Arthritis Foundation, approximately 25% of the JIA population has this type of arthritis. 

Over the years, Madalyn has had inflammation in her elbow, ankles, fingers and wrists.  She has received occupational and physical therapies, worn orthotic inserts and wrist splints and has taken medication in the form of syrup, pills, injections and infusions.  With ongoing treatment, she walks, runs, jumps, climbs, skips, and hops like her counterparts.  In fact, when her arthritis is less inflamed and manageable, at a glance, one would not think she has arthritis or understand there are times she struggles to do the activities she loves. This little warrior enjoys reading, singing, playing with dolls, toys, board games and electronics, as well as participating in Girl Scouts and hula dancing.

Join Madalyn in her fight against arthritis, register or donate today!