Dacia Marquez
Juvenile Arthritis
Youth Honoree

Dacia was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the young age of 2 ½. In Spring 2007, her parents noticed she was walking on her right heel instead of walking heel to toe. Two months later, x-rays showed small cracks in her heel and a significantly smaller calf muscle, but there was no explanation. Her right foot stopped growing due to swelling. 

Dacia’s parents had no idea that a child could have arthritis and it was an overwhelming time. They continued to battle challenges related to juvenile arthritis. Upon starting Kindergarten, Dacia experienced yet another major flare and was unable to even walk to her classroom on the first day of school.  Her family was shocked to learn that arthritis can cause inflammation in the eyes, called uveitis, which may result in blindness. Every 4-6 months, Dacia would experience flare-ups of uveitis and had to receive steroid drops and endure numerous doctor appointments.  

Dacia is a strong athlete, however, in 2015 something changed. Her left knee and the same right ankle started swelling with pain to the point where she was in tears. Dr. Kalampokis, the only rheumatologist in New Mexico, started Dacia on injections.  

This past summer, Dacia attended the Arthritis Foundation’s juvenile arthritis camp where she met other children dealing with similar situations. It was a life-changing experience and provided a therapeutic experience for Dacia. Upon returning, Dacia possessed a new level of inspiration and entirely new view of what she can achieve in life.  

Dacia is a true inspiration to everyone around her. She is now a freshman at Rio Rancho High School where she participates in cross country, ROTC, swimming and track teams. Her goal is to attend the Air Force Academy Officer Corp School and become a pilot.