Alkaio Thiele | Age 13 | Actor

Real Talk.

Even though I'm only 13 years old, I've lived with severe Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis), an autoimmune disease, since my diagnosis two years ago. Hours after getting my second COVID vaccine, I started having really bad chest pain and getting out of breath just walking a few steps. A couple weeks later my body started aching and never stopped. I saw so many doctors and therapists and their only answers to my pain and exhaustion were "growing pains" and being "under slept." Over the next few months every single one of my joints started to balloon. My knees were the size of softballs, my ankles looked and felt like tree trunks, and getting out of bed every morning required Herculean efforts. No traditional medications have helped and some of them have even required me to be hospitalized for their side effects. Finally getting my diagnosis was bittersweet but it helped me focus on my recovery and all the blessings in my life. 

It is super discouraging to live with pain 24-hours a day and not get to be a regular kid... I miss being as active as I used to be, but I feel really grateful that I'm surrounded by amazing friends, family, and industry professionals who are extra supportive when my body is failing me. 

There is NO CURE for my type of arthritis, but I am determined to not let it stop me from living the incredible life I dream of. 

I may get to be your friendly neighborhood superhero in Disney's Spidey and His Amazing Friends, but the truth is, you also have a superpower... The power to walk with us, to help those in need, to inspire change, to spread kindness, and to donate to an amazing cause.

My family and I have joined Walk to Cure Arthritis, the premier event of the arthritis community committed to conquering arthritis for the nearly 60 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of children, who live with this awful disease's daily pain and challenges. We're going to walk (and cruise in my wheelchair!) for a cure!!

This event not only raises money to advance arthritis treatments and find a cure, but also develops resources, and takes action to improve people's lives.  Your help is needed now more than ever! Please consider donating to improve the lives of those who battle arthritis everyday. 

I am honored to be this year's Teen Honoree at Ventura County's Walk to Cure Arthritis and share my story!

Thank you!!

@alkaio.thiele

"Spidey" in Disney's SPIDEY AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS

"Roman Russo" in Disney's WIZARDS

"Janner" in Angel Studios' THE WINGFEATHER SAGA