Meet Our Heroes
Arthritis Walk, Orland Park Hero
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12 year old Jacob Basta of Blue Island was diagnosed with arthritis at age 10. Two years later his arthritis is under control, thanks to finding the right biologic medications. His arthritis affects his hands, feet, ankles and knees. Since he was diagnosed with arthritis, he had to learn to live with fatigue. He has remained very active in extra-curricular activities and sports, despite his arthritis. He likes reading, playing video games, photography and playing drums. His sports activities include soccer, swimming, basketball, baseball, track and field. His hope for the future is to travel around the world and tell people what having arthritis is like. He also hopes to be part of finding a cure for arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation has given him opportunities to learn more about arthritis and meet others with arthritis through Family Fun Days, the Arthritis Walk and Camp J.A.M. (Juvenile Arthritis & Me). He decided to accept the role as Arthritis Walk Hero to represent and support other people who have arthritis.
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Arthritis Walk, Fox Valley Hero
Linda Lutter has been a volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation for many years. She has represented the foundation at health fairs, as a leader on event planning committees, and has been the Naperville Arthritis Walk Chair for several years. Living with arthritis, she tries to maintain a balance between activities so she limits her time spent doing housework and shopping, and breaks chores up into smaller jobs. Her greatest triumph is waking up knowing she can face each day with a positive attitude, striving to push herself to be better, even when frustration can overcome her. Her hobbies include sewing clothes, dolls, wall hangings, folk art, painting, hockey, car racing (only watching!), concerts and all varieties of plays. She manages her arthritis through walking, yoga, meditation, mindful stress reduction and bike riding. Working with the Arthritis Foundation has given Linda lifelong friends and they have helped her to continue to fight and grow through all the hurdles that she has faced.
Linda is being recognized as honoree for her dedication and commitment to the Arthritis Foundation. She wants to use her time as honoree to educate people about how important the Arthritis Foundation is, and that research needs to be expanded if a cure is to be found in our lifetime.
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Arthritis Walk, Northwest Indiana Hero
Thirty-three years ago, when she was only a child of three, Jennifer Wescott was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Now grown with an active little boy of her own, Jennifer acknowledges that things haven’t always been easy for her. “As a child I had a hard time being “Different” and dealing with teasing from classmates. However, I think I am stronger now because of what I went through.” While Jennifer says that she is doing well, she continues to take medicine to manage her rheumatoid arthritis. She says that sometimes she gets frustrated with all of the medicines and often has to switch medications due to side effects but stays positive and hopes to “live the best life I can.”
Jennifer was named the Northwest Indiana Arthritis Hero for 2009 due to her perseverance and efforts to help stop the spread of arthritis. She says that she feels “empowered.” The Arthritis Foundation “has given me a voice- as a child, I felt alone because I didn’t know anyone my age that had JRA. Now I can share my story,” says Jennifer.
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Arthritis Walk, Lake County, Hero
Brittany Anderson from Lindenhurst, Illinois is almost 10 years old. However, she has been living with arthritis almost all of her life. Brittany was diagnosed in 2002 with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). It affects several of her joints, but most recently her knee, wrist, toes, and fingers. Although Brittany cannot participate fully in all gym and physical activities and sometimes feels bad for herself, she has built a good relationship with her gym teacher and is a very compassionate individual. Like any normal 9 year old, Brittany loves to play with her friends. She also likes science and learning how things work and is active on a swim team. Brittany hopes to someday no longer have JRA and to “travel around the country to see the different pretty places and learn about history.” Brittany has been chosen as a 2009 Arthritis Walk Hero by the Arthritis Foundation because of her compassion, activity despite having arthritis, and dedication to raising awareness and finding a cure for juvenile arthritis.
Arthritis Walk, Chicago Walk Hero
Alexandra Kay is not a typical eleven year-old. Alexandra, also known as “Allie,” was diagnosed in 2006 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in her left knee. Although she walks with a slight limp and is often tired and very stiff, Allie maintains a positive attitude and an active lifestyle. Prior to her diagnosis, Allie participated in gymnastics but since has switched to dancing and uses it as a type of physical therapy for her JIA. This is especially important in keeping Allie as comfortable as possible because regular physical activity is the best treatment for the disease. Allie also has big plans for the future. Not only does Allie want to become a doctor, but she also hopes to raise awareness of juvenile arthritis and funding for arthritis research. “Joining the 2008 Arthritis Walk helped my family and friends understand my illness and support the cause and it gave me confidence and hope,” said Allie. Allie has been chosen as a 2009 Arthritis Walk Hero by the Arthritis Foundation because of her positive outlook, dedication to staying active despite having arthritis, and dedication to raising awareness about juvenile arthritis.
Arthritis Walk, Naperville Walk Hero
Kristen Hartman, a nineteen year-old from
