Nikki Willison Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lupus Adult Honoree Nikki is a 35-year-old native Texan, coffee snob, and arthritis warrior. She is a Research Associate in University Advancement at her alma mater, Texas State University, in San Marcos. At the age of 33, after more than a decade searching for answers, Nikki was finally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Having been a competitive athlete in 7 different sports over 14 years, learning to slow down wasn't something that came easy. Nikki found herself unable to do the most simple tasks, but her biggest challenge was grasping the profound impact that chronic pain had on her mental health. Shortly after receiving her arthritis diagnosis, Nikki was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Nikki learned quickly that addressing the mental aspect was just as important as addressing the physical symptoms. One in 5 US adults with arthritis has symptoms of anxiety or depression with symptoms occuring twice as often in adults with arthritis as in adults without. Nikki shares her experience to bring awareness and create community for the more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children living with arthritis, as well as those yet to receive their diagnoses. Join Kikki in the fight against arthritis, register or donate today! |
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