2021 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Malachi Noem
Pauciarticular Arthritis
Teen Honoree


Malachi’s arthritis journey started when he was only 2 years old. His life changed when he was diagnosed with pauciarticular arthritis in his right knee. As he grew older, arthritis affected his eyes and spread to his right ankle and fingers. It was challenging to walk, run and feel like a normal kid. Emotionally it was difficult when kids didn’t understand his disease and the pain he endured. Malachi is thankful that his arthritis has gotten better and he’s able to play baseball, run, and feel normal. His only reminder of arthritis is his bi-weekly injection. His hope is to spread awareness of this disease in an effort to give other kids support.