Mia Ayala
Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 A native of San Antonio TX, 11-year-old Mia Ayala was diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) when only 4. She's been on a treatment plan of Methotrexate and recently started Ilaris injections. She leans on her strong Catholic faith and family to get through challenging times. Mia is a SJIA warrior, never letting her diagnosis define who she is or what she can do. Since the age of 2, Mia has danced Ballet Folklorico, Classical Ballet, Hip-Hop, and more with piano and vocalist experience too. At her school she has been in volleyball, softball, and choir. Mia has been a proud Girl Scout since kindergarten, Mia has just earned the highest Girl Scout achievement for her age level, the Bronze Award.
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Abby was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) & Psoriatic Arthritis at age 13. She receives her care at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston and is currently on Orencia. Abby is a senior at Veritas Scholars Academy where she is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend college next year and her long-term goal is to be a Pediatric Musculoskeletal Radiologist. Abby is a club diver for Alamo Area Aquatics Diving, volunteers regularly for several non-profits, and raises service dogs for veterans. She also has four younger siblings, two of them also have JIA.