- Condition: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Location: Newton, KS
I have been an occupational therapist (OT) for 19 years. I learned about arthritis in OT school but never dreamed I would eventually experience it! Five years ago, my adopted daughter Laniese was diagnosed with poly juvenile arthritis (JA) at age 9. JA has changed our lives. It is only with great medical staff and medications that my daughter is still able to play basketball, run cross country and participate in track. I administer weekly injections for Laniese and every five weeks we travel 200 miles for her biological infusions and Rheumy clinic. Four years ago I received my first diagnosis and surgery for osteoarthritis. This past year I started having more symptoms and was diagnosed Rheumatoid factor positive and adult Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I started taking medications to treat my RA in January and am starting to see positive changes. Painful hands, hips and fatigue make it very difficult to work as a medical professional! I feel hope and empowerment through my volunteer work with the Arthritis Foundation locally, regionally and nationally.
Hope comes in many forms but for our family it comes first from our faith in God. Hope also comes from great medical personnel, powerful and current medications, medical research for a cure and resources from the Arthritis Foundation. The AF has given us lifelong friendships, resources, a hope for a cure and has taught us to advocate for ourselves and others who battle daily with the many forms of arthritis!