The Need

Noah (16) and Natalie (12) are brother and sister living with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. JRA is a lifelong autoimmune disease characterized by painful joint inflammation, stiffness, swelling fever, and rashes. Noah and Natalie require many medications and treatments to manage their daily pain, which can become quite expensive. Their dedicated mother works 3 jobs, and their father works hard, but suffers from depression as a result of his children’s diagnosis and the family’s financial challenges. The family advocates tirelessly for the Arthritis Foundation, which raises money in the hope to find a cure, as well as support families of those with arthritis. They hope to bring awareness to the serious nature of autoimmune arthritis, and are so grateful to those who help support their family.