2020 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Aaliyah McCormick
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Teen Honoree

Diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis - arthritis that affects five or more joints at age 7, Aaliyah had trouble walking, participating in dance, and writing.

Currently, with injections, she is in a state of medicated remission. The injections can be scary, but Aaliyah is proud of herself for overcoming this fear. At her first National Juvenile Conference in 2017 she shared, “The Arthritis Foundation really helped me make friends with people who understand what it’s like to go through everything that we do. The Jingle Bell Run has been a great event for me, my family, and my friends over the years.”

To support Aaliyah or join her team visit her page here.


Evie Precup
Psoriatic Arthritis
Teen Honoree

Evie is 14 and was diagnosed at age 9. She has managed her symptoms and pain through treatments, including anti-inflamatories, physical therapy, and injections.

Evie enjoys volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation and loves to play volleyball, even when her arthritis makes it challenging. 

Evie is a Champion of Yes - “I don’t let arthritis stop me from doing what I love to do. It makes me a stronger and more mature person who focuses on the things that matter and are important”

She wants JA kids to know they are strong in their fight against arthritis and to find support and encouragement. She also wants there to be a cure soon. 

To support Evie or join her team visit her page here.


Jenna May
Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis & Uveitis
Teen Honoree

Jenna was first diagnosed with uveitis (a condition that affects the eyes), then psoriatic arthritis. She struggles with the complications, most significantly loss of vision due to the uveitis.

Jenna describes herself as friendly, kind, and caring. She loves hanging out with her friends, playing video games, and doing art projects.

She says being a Champion of Yes means you won't let arthritis stop you from living life to its fullest and doing what you want to do. Jenna hopes others can find amazing treatments that will help them have fewer flares and that everyone can find the right meds for we can all start to feel better!

To support Jenna or join her team visit her page here.