Koehn Long Juvenile Idopathic Arthritis and Juvenile Anklosing Spondylitis Youth Honoree Koehn is the typical 9 year-old boy that loves to play sports but because of his JIA he often has a hard time keeping up. Koehn loves to swim, play baseball and soccer at school with his friends. Because of his JIA/JAS he is unable to play competitive sports like the other kids his age. Another love of Koehn’s is video games. At a young age Koehn had a difficult time running around at daycare playing with the other kids. He seemed to have an unusual gait when he was playing. A pediatrician recommended physical therapy, but soon after, Koehn started running high fevers with unknown origin. Koehn was hospitalized often for these fevers and then was sent to Rheumatology where it was found that Koehn had a large effusion (fluid) on his right knee. Since Koehn’s original diagnosis of JIA, he has been also diagnosed with JAS. While some medications have help keep his inflammation down, side effects have included a suppressed immune system, leading to catching many colds and viruses. As Koehn is growing older, it is getting more difficult for him to do some of the “easy” things other kids do (like play soccer). His mom Karon has advice for other JA moms, “Our hope for others is to stay active and do what you love. Also, look for opportunities to meet other kids with arthritis and make life long friendships.” Koehn attended Camp Dakota, a summer camp for kids with juvenile arthritis hosted by the Arthritis Foundation. “I want to thank the Arthritis Foundation for organizing such an awesome camp,” Karon continued, “We are looking forward to honoring Koehn at the Walk to Cure Arthritis as this year’s Youth Honoree.” |
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