Addie, Prince George, BC
14 years old, Psoriatic JIA

I used to hike and play school sports like basketball and volleyball. Now, I’m not able to because my arthritis hurts too much in my elbow, ankles and knees. This last year I started on the volleyball team, but had to stop playing because of the pain. I tried to stay on the team and sit on the bench and cheer for my friends but that made me really upset being so close to them and not being able to play.

Some things I have gotten used to doing. Like taking Celebrex twice a day, folic acid 4 times a week, eye exams every 6 months, and bloodwork every 3 months. Other things I still hate… like my weekly methotrexate injections. I use numbing cream, ice, and vibration to try and help me not feel it as much. The day after my injection I sometimes get a bad headache, fatigue, feel sick and have to nap. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning my ankles are stiff and painful and I need to use crutches to get ready for school. I hope that my arthritis will go into remission and I won’t be in pain anymore. I want to be able to do all of the activities that I love.

Addie is part of the Team Cassie + Friends VIRTUAL run/walk and will be raising awareness of JA and fundraising more research and support programs for the second year in a row. Support Addie by making a donation to her fundraising page here.

Addie’s Mother Chrystal also shared her perspective on Addie’s diagnosis and navigating juvenile arthritis 12 hours from the nearest children’s hospital. Read her mother’s perspective here.