JBR Heroes
Katie Cozza
Chicago Jingle Bell Honoree
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Field Museum
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Katie Cozza is not your typical recent college graduate. Not only has she overcome the stress induced by homework, final papers,and group presentations, but she has also overcome her doctors’ beliefs that she would not make it through high school, let alone college. Now 24 years old, Katie has been living with arthritis since she was diagnosed at age 5. Although her Rheumatoid Arthritis had her bedridden, the use of an electric wheelchair helped her become an active college student. Recently having received a B.A. in sociology and criminology from
Tia Carr
Plainfield Jingle Bell Honoree
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Ira Jones Middle School
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Tia Carr was only 17-months-old when she was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Despite her constant struggle with JRA, however, she has been able to maintain an active life. She enjoys participating in a number of sports including basketball, swimming, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Any coach would love Tia on their team due to her persistence in achieving athletic success. She remarks, “A challenge for me is to keep playing even when I am in pain. Of course it is going to hurt, but I need to push myself to my very best!” Always enthusiastic and cheerful, Tia is also involved in youth group and is a seasoned veteran at Camp J.A.M., a summer camp for children diagnosed with arthritis. Having taken part in an arthritis convention for families and in the Chicago Marathon as an arthritis honoree, Tia loves to show others just how hard she works to lead a normal life. In the future, Tia hopes to have a family of her own and a career that will allow her to give confidence to others so that they may work through life’s hardships. Of her nomination as Plainfield Jingle Bell Run/Walk Honoree she exclaims, “I love to encourage people and I think it is a great way to support them!”
Brandie and Brianna Lorenzen
Hammond Jingle Bell Honorees
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Purdue University Calumet
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Brandie and Brianna Lorenzen, 14, have been living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) for most of their lives. Diagnosed at age 4, Brandie and Brianna have had to live with challenges every day such as weight gain, sore joints, difficulty carrying school textbooks, and fatigue. Despite these difficulties, the twins have kept active cheering on the school cheerleading squad and doing fun activities—Brandie enjoys spending her free time singing and Brianna likes to draw. Looking ahead to the future, Brandie has aspirations to become a singer/actress and has decided to become an honoree so as to prove to people that she can live the same life as her peers. Brianna reiterates her sister’s desire to let others know that arthritis has only made her try harder in life. Brandie and Brianna were chosen as 2009 Honorees in part because of their active participation in Camp J.A.M., a summer camp for children diagnosed with arthritis, and their active push for arthritis legislation. In fact, the twins traveled to Washington D.C. a few years ago to talk with their legislators. Brandie and Brianna were also chosen for their determination to use their arthritis as a reason to become stronger individuals and their desire to help other children with JRA live their lives to the fullest.
