Mackenzie Meyer
Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Young Adult Honoree  

MacKenzie Meyer is the 2019 Young Adult Walk to Cure Arthritis Honoree. Mackenzie has had systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since age 8. When she was diagnosed with arthritis as a child, it was tough. She wanted to feel better, and to do everything a normal kid could and should be able to do. It’s so important for kids with arthritis to take their medication and to eat foods that give them energy, and at that time MacKenzie wasn’t the strongest at being an advocate for her own health. Now that she is older, MacKenzie realizes that without taking her medication, not eating the proper foods, and not exercising enough, that she is only hurting herself in the end. MacKenzie knows and advocates that it’s important to take care of her body, both mentally and physically, so that you are fully able to take on life as best as you can.

This past summer, MacKenzie had the opportunity to volunteer at Camp Cambria in Minnesota. Camp Cambria is a summer camp for kids with juvenile arthritis, and it gives them the opportunity to meet kids just like them and learn more about how to be advocates for their health. Many children spend an entire year of having no one in their lives that fully understand what each day is like dealing with their arthritis, but for one week a year, they get to be with kids and adults who truly understand.

It’s the people we have in our lives that keep us going forward and help us deal with the pain each and every day. That’s why this year, MacKenzie is dedicating this walk to those who have supported her throughout her journey. MacKenzie has received nothing but love, and she is forever grateful.