Hi! My name is Hayley. I was diagnosed with JIA at the age of 13. Around age 12 I realized that I could not straighten my fingers. Young me was very medically inclined, so after some googling, I diagnosed myself with arthritis. It took a long time to convince the adults in my life that I, a healthy-appearing young girl, had a disease most people associate with a much older population. The surprise to me was that my arthritis actually extended far beyond my hands, to over 20 joints in my body. Thankfully, I had an amazing medical team at SickKids, and I responded very well to my medications. Now, as a 23 year old, I think there are many more interesting things about me than my JIA diagnosis.
1. I am a medical student!
I decided I wanted to become a doctor, specifically a paediatrician, at the age of 6. That desire only grew as a pediatric patient, seeing what a big impact my team at SickKids had on my life. I am now beginning my fourth, and final, year of medical school at the University of Toronto. This year I will be returning to SickKids as a medical student- a very full circle moment after being a patient there for many years.
2. I love to travel!
Travelling with JIA can sometimes get a bit complicated. I am very good at making friends with flight attendants so they will keep my injection medications in the fridge, and I am always ready with my medical notes in case I am stopped at security. Some of my favourite trips have been Greece, Kenya, and Belize. I recently got my scuba diving certification, and look forward to diving more when I travel.
3. I love being active!
Staying active helps keep my joints relaxed and decrease my pain. I have very few limitations from my JIA-I can live with not being able to rock climb, or ice axe (learned that one the hard way on a ski trip), and I am very accustomed to modifying certain movements when I exercise.
4. I have the greatest friends and family!
My friends and family are my favourite people. My mom came with me to every single SickKids appointment, including the extra appointments required for the many research studies I excitedly signed up for. My favourite memory is when I went to sleep away summer camp for two months every year. Each week, when it was time for my injections, my friends would take turns coming with me to the health center and cheering me on.
There are so many more things I could tell you about myself other than JIA, because, although JIA is a part of me, it is the least interesting thing about me.
Want to support Hayley and other youth with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases? Consider joining a run/walk near you!
September 25, 2022 – London Run
October 16, 2022 – Windsor Run
October 16, 2022- Toronto Run
