Meet the 2008 Walk Ambassadors!

February 20, 2008

Lisa Morris

"Give me the power to change the things I can, the stregth to endure the things I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference." These words have helped guide Lisa Morris since she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of 23. Her diagnosis came just six months after her college graduation. For someone as active as Lisa - she was an all Big 12 volleyball player - this news could have been devastating. But Lisa was determined that nothing would keep her from doing the things she wanted to do.

"Since I was diagnosed, I have learned to listen to my body and make modifications to my activities," Lisa said. "Sure it bums me out that I can't play volleyball anymore, but I don't waste energy being angry or depressed about my situation. I just move on to what I can do."

And what she can do is quite amazing. Lisa was first drawn to the Arthritis Foundation through a program called Joints in Motion - an event where she was able to train for a marathon while raising money for the Foundation. This event enabled Lisa to not only prove that RA didn't end her chance for an active life, but it also helped her raise money for arthritis research.

Lisa, who is a mechanical engineer, is determined to help others who are living with arthritis. She has participated in dozens of Arthritis Foundation events, and this past year she became a member of the chapter's Board of Directors.

Madison

When she was six months old, Madison's parents - Heather and Brant - began noticing a rash and swelling in her joints. Since Madison was not yet talking, they had a big challenge in figuring out what was causing her symptoms. After countless tests - eliminating all kinds of possible conditions - Madison was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now at two years old, Madison and her family are learning to live a life with arthritis.

"The toughest part was not having an answer for what was wrong, " Brant said. "It was a relief once we found out what was going on because now we know how to help her, and we know that this won't keep her from living a full life."

Prior to Madison's diagnosis, her parents didn't know a great deal about arthritis - except that it was something that usually only affected older adults. Now they are passinate about making sure they understand what is happening with Madison's health. The best advice they have for parents of children with JRA is to ask questions and find resources in the community that are available to help. That is what led Madison's family to the Arthritis Foundation - not only were they seeking the information and support available, but they also want to be able to share Madison's story to try and help others.

Kasie

Hello! My name is Kasie Goodfellow and I am the Warrensburg Arthritis Walk Ambassador. I'm 14 years old and in the ninth grade.

I have Rheumatoid arthritis in all of my joints. I was diagnosed in 2003 when I was only 9 years old. When I first found out I was a little clueless because I didn't even know what arthritis was. But when I learned more and more about it I was kind of scared. I didn't really know what to expect. I take medications and hope for the best to manage my arthritis. My daily life with arthritis is just about like anyone else’s except I take medicine and some of the activities I can do are limited.

I take intra-articular steroid injections, methotrexate, folic acid, and Relafen for my arthritis. The thing that hurts the most are the steroid injections but my doctor is really good about it so it’s not that bad.

I attend Holden High School. My favorite subject in school is choir because I really love to sing. I have 2 sisters and 1 brother and 2 pets; a cat and a dog. My favorite things to do are sing and hang out with friends and family. I want to be a singer or someone who helps mentally handicapped children when I grow up.

Most of my classmates know I have arthritis. My life is different than my friends and family in some ways because I have different pain and they don't know what it feels like. The only other person in my family that has the same kind of arthritis as me is my dad's sister. At first, I was angry and frustrated about arthritis but I found that being mad about it would do me no good so I try to look on the bright side.

If anyone is having trouble accepting the fact that they have arthritis, they should find someone to talk to. It can really make a difference. Just keep your chin up.