Addison Sprouse
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Youth Honoree
 Addison’s story is quite unique. Her mother, Brooke, was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at 18 months old. Over the years, Brooke has had many joint replacements and continues to do well despite the pain she endures daily.
In January 2022, then 10 year old Addison, fractured her hand and her arthritis journey began. After numerous doctors' visits and tests, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in August 2022. Addison’s wrist, fingers, and knees were affected. Thankfully, with the help of Addison’s rheumatologist, occupational therapy, and medicinal treatments, she is currently in remission. Addison enjoys shopping with friends, swimming, volleyball and will be trying out as a middle school cheerleader this spring. Join or support Addison and The A Team today! |
Dr. Richard F. Loeser is the Joseph P. Archie Jr., Eminent Professor in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and the Director of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Dr. Loeser received his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine and completed residency and fellowship training in Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, and Geriatrics at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Dr. Loeser’s basic, translational, and clinical research over the past 30 years has focused on developing a deeper understanding of osteoarthritis (OA) needed to develop new therapies to modify the disease process and stop OA progression.
Wife, mother, daughter, and sister, Brittany Fleischhuer was diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis in May 2022. She had just given birth to her youngest daughter in October of 2021 and by December of 2021 the bilateral pain that she was experiencing in her hands and feet was debilitating. She advocated every day for herself until she had an answer. She continues to research new interventions/tools that will make life easier and more enjoyable. Brittany’s family has supported her throughout this entire disease process and they continue to show up for here daily. She has the best cheerleaders and they are the reason Brittany pushes through, and the reason she will beat rheumatoid arthritis!
Being told you have arthritis is the last thing Mia expected at 16 years old. But four years ago, she was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and her arthritis journey began. This chronic disease has had a major impact on Mia and her loved ones. For her, mental health has been something she has struggled with, but her family and her doctors have been there to support her throughout it all. Every day is a struggle, and finding the right medication can be hard. But Mia is dedicated to spreading awareness about all types of arthritis and she hopes to support anyone else who is struggling.