Tess’s Story
After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 15, Tess knew she wanted to make a difference for kids like her. She became the first registered nurse in rheumatology and is now helping kids with arthritis thrive.
Tess, now 25, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at age15. At the time, she was an avid runner, captain of her cross-country team and played three sports. After high school, she moved from Arizona to Kansas to pursue her passion and become a registered nurse. She was the first registered nurse in rheumatology and is now a clinical quality abstractor at Children’s Mercy Hospital.
Growing up, Tess’s father would say “pleasant persistence pays dividends.” It was not until after she was diagnosed with RA that Tess realized how important this phrase would become. There have been many difficult and painful times throughout the course of her diagnosis, but she always remembers her father’s words. Tess has learned that she cannot control everything, but that she can make the best out of each situation.
It is through pleasant persistence that she has been able to accomplish her achievements. This attitude has provided her with the motivation and determination to keep going. RA is one of the most difficult things she has had to endure, and Tess’s positive outlook and determination to overcome enables her to face whatever life throws her way.
Tess is very honored to have been able to become more involved with the Arthritis Foundation over the past year and especially honored to be chosen as a Walk to Cure Arthritis Adult Honoree.
Growing up, Tess’s father would say “pleasant persistence pays dividends.” It was not until after she was diagnosed with RA that Tess realized how important this phrase would become. There have been many difficult and painful times throughout the course of her diagnosis, but she always remembers her father’s words. Tess has learned that she cannot control everything, but that she can make the best out of each situation.
It is through pleasant persistence that she has been able to accomplish her achievements. This attitude has provided her with the motivation and determination to keep going. RA is one of the most difficult things she has had to endure, and Tess’s positive outlook and determination to overcome enables her to face whatever life throws her way.
Tess is very honored to have been able to become more involved with the Arthritis Foundation over the past year and especially honored to be chosen as a Walk to Cure Arthritis Adult Honoree.