Zoey Van Haeren
Oligoarticular Juvenile Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 Zoey is a fun loving and active 9-year-old that enjoys swimming, drawing, school, playing with her friends and pet dogs. She has a keen sense of humor and always ready for her next adventure. Zoey was a healthy and active baby and walking by 12 months. One month later, our lives changed forever and at 13 months old she woke up with a knee 3 times its normal size, hot to the touch and not able put pressure on it. Initially the doctors believed Zoey had a contusion to her knee that would get better, then feared she had a joint infection, and after numerous x-rays and blood tests they were still unable to firmly diagnose her and given a referral.
Six weeks later she was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis-Oligoarthritis, by 15 months old her knee was completely locked up and she was no longer able to bend it. Zoey became a patient at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital and the next few months included steroid injections in her knees, countless blood draws, and new medications-including weekly injections. From the ages of 3 to 8 she was also diagnosed with additional conditions. Shortly after Zoey began monthly infusions. Through all the hospital visits, doctors’ visits, medications, shots, lab draws, and pain Zoey has maintained a wonderful and positive outlook on life. She has never allowed this disease to stop her from doing all that she wants. We advocate for Zoey and other children with JA by always making it to both the JBR and WTCA. We will continue to fight for Zoey and all children affected with JA. Although Zoey is not in remission, we are greatly thankful to Dr. Nassi- Rheumatologist for being dedicated to helping Zoey. Support Zoey's efforts in the Jingle Bell Run. |
After turning 50, Becky started to experience pain and swelling that would continue to intensify over the next few years. It began in her shoulders, and when she could not lift her arms over her head she reached out to her primary care physician who thought it was a bad case of bursitis. One steroid shot later, the pain went away and range of motion returned. However, this was only the start. Constant swelling of her hands and feet prevented her from being able to perform simple, daily tasks – like holding a hair dryer or the steering wheel of her car. When surgery on a torn meniscus in her knee caused continuous pain, her primary physician recommended she see a rheumatologist. After blood tests and a lot of a conversation, Becky was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Initially, the diagnosis was a shock, and she thought she would never be able to do all the things she wanted to do. It has been five years since her diagnosis, and she has discovered that her life could not be any better. Her doctor has come up with a regiment for her medication to help control the flares and pain, and help her live her life to the fullest.
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