Claire Mamlouk
Psoriatic Arthritis
2025 Teen Honoree
Claire was diagnosed with Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis in 2019. At 12 years old, Claire was confused about what this diagnosis meant for her future. At first, the constant pain and swelling in her joints felt like an unending roadblock. Claire tried numerous treatments, each one offering hope for a time, but none that seemed to truly make the pain go away.
Managing schoolwork, maintaining a social life, and keeping up with sports became a balancing act, as she pushed through flare-ups and unpredictable days. Despite these challenges, Claire refused to let arthritis define her. As she has gone through high school, Claire has adapted, learned to pace herself, and discovered that she could still pursue her passions.
Now, as a senior, Claire is proud that she has made it through with determination, help and support from my family, and the support Boston Children's Hospital, especially, Dr. Lo. Next year, Claire will be playing college golf at Gettysburg College. Claire shared “the journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped me into someone who doesn’t give up, no matter what comes next.” |
Dr. Angela Gupta is a rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She graduated from the rheumatology fellowship from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and moved to Boston in Summer 2023. She is passionate about clinical education and enjoys working with trainees in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. She is also highly interested in the care of complex lupus patients and is part of the BWH Lupus Center.