Amelia and Liberty Shultz
Sisters Amelia (age 3) and Liberty (age 2) Shultz, both diagnosed with juvenile arthritis before the age of two, have had to learn the pain of a serious disease at too young an age. Robbed of many of the experiences of early childhood, their parents, Lisa and Kim, have had to make major adjustments in their family’s lives to accommodate the girl’s medical needs. From moving to Seattle to be closer to top medical professionals to curbing their socializing with other kids to protect their sensitive immune systems, the story of the Shultz family is an all too common story among families fighting juvenile arthritis. However, Lisa, Kim, and their children are committed to making a difference through active participation in their local Arthritis Foundation events, especially Arthritis Walk, where Lisa serves on two committees and fundraises through their family team, Arthritis Angels. We are honored to have Amelia and Liberty as our 2012 Arthritis Walk Youth Honorees.
Michael R. Jackson
Marine Mike Jackson was honorably discharged from duty in January 2011 following his diagnosis with advanced early onset osteoarthritis. Five years serving our country all over the world, including Iraq, had taken its toll on Michael’s shoulders, and at the age of 25 he found himself returning home to Oklahoma with the bone structure of a 70 year-old man, severe pain and an uncertain future. Not to be discouraged, though, he used this time to volunteer and help others at his Arthritis Foundation office, quickly rising to the position of Team Recruitment Chair for the Arthritis Walk of Tulsa. Comparing his Arthritis Walk team, the Disability Fighters, to leading a new platoon, Michael recruited and engaged friends, family, and local businesses to support his efforts. For his service to both our country and the Arthritis Foundation, we are proud to have Michael as our 2012 Arthritis Walk Adult Honoree.
