Natalie Jezierny
Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Teen Honoree
 After living with wrist pain and fatigue and dealing with a misdiagnosis for four years, Natalie was ultimately diagnosed with Polyarticular JRA. Unfortunately, her journey since then has come with many struggles, including no longer being able to play the violin.
Natalie spends much of her free time baking, which she finds calming. She is involved in advocacy and raising awareness, and has started a chronic illness Instagram (@spooniesrus). Her efforts have earned her multiple social health award nominations. Natalie says, “No matter your age or diagnosis, I want people to know you can learn to thrive instead of survive. I am living proof you can do hard things.” |
Sisters Cara and Anna may share the same alma mater (University of Michigan), but their arthritis journeys have taken very different paths. They both want to share their experiences to help others, however. Cara wants to show others that they can do everything they want and more. “I really wanted to share my story as it was not the most straightforward example of getting diagnosed,” she said. Anna wants people to know they are not alone, and she believes that by telling her story she can build awareness and help others. She says, “it’s difficult to look young and healthy, but struggle with a chronic illness.”
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