Uveitis (inflammation of the eye) is a serious complication occurring in 20% of children with Juvenile Arthritis, a condition that is hard to diagnose without regular eye screening. Treatment of Uveitis can often be aggressive, sometimes calling for eye drops multiple times a day in order to prevent vision loss and permanent damage to the eyes. We reached out to Becki Zerr of Regina, Saskatchewan, who speaks to growing up with Juvenile Arthritis and Uveitis at a young age. Now as an adult, Becki shares her journey on losing her sight, advice to parents, and her optimism for the future outcomes of Uveitis research.

I was first diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) when I was three years old. My JRA affects both my joints as well as my eyes. By the time my parents were able to get a definitive diagnosis, the sight in my right eye was totally gone and the disease was rapidly progressing into my left eye. 

As a child growing up with this disease, to me it was totally normal. I  missed a lot of school and spent many holidays in the hospital or attending appointments. I had limitations; however, my parents and family have always been very supportive and encouraged me to pursue my dreams.  

Throughout my life I have been on a wide array of medications. I have had many surgeries, treatments and procedures performed on both my knees as well as my eyes. I have had the privilege of being provided amazing medical support over the years. I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand how medications and therapies have evolved over many decades. I am extremely optimistic about the future and I look forward to the day that JIA & uveitis are no longer a life impacting diagnosis.

If I had the opportunity to provide some advice I would encourage parents to gather as much information as they possibly can. To me, knowledge is power and can give you a competitive advantage.  Advocate for what you believe is possible. 

Becki Zerr, who will be joining us LIVE at Saturday’s Uveitis webinar, has also recently launched her own podcast sharing her journey on losing her sight, The Blind Reality. We urge patients, families, health care providers, and others to listen to this breathtaking and powerful podcast as an important reminder for regular screening and quick treatment of Uveitis.

Uveitis Webinar this Saturday October 24th at 4:30 pm PST/ 7:30 pm EST with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg. Register Now!

Image sources:

http://cnibinthepark.ca/community-project-support.html
https://podtail.com/podcast/the-blind-reality/