Brenna's Story

Brenna's Story:

In April 2013 Brenna limped off the school bus with a swollen knee. We figured it would get better quickly with lots of TLC and a little Advil. A visit to the clinic said to give it two weeks. In Mid May 2013, the knee was still so stiff and swollen we had to carry Brenna as it was too painful for her to walk. Another visit to the clinic, and an MRI found excessive fluid on her knee. In June 2013 Brenna had an aspiration of the knee and the fluid was sent for biopsy. The suspect was Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, or JRA. In July 2013 we met with a pediatric rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic where her diagnosis of JRA was confirmed; specifically, polyarticular JRA, meaning arthritis in at least four different joints. Brenna has inflammation in her toes, ankles, knees, hips, wrists, and fingers. We also learned she has Uveitis, an inflammation of the cornea. Since the diagnosis, we have battled painful flares and stiffness in our 6 year old daughter, plus almost monthly 800 mile round trip treks to the Mayo Clinic in an effort to find a medication that can stabilize her symptoms. JRA impacts Brenna’s mobility. At times it makes movement painful. Sometimes we have to carry her. It causes her to miss school quite often. It even makes simple tasks like writing very difficult.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

2014 Jingle Bell Run/ Walk in Fargo, ND






 Well, its official!  Brenna is registered to walk in the 2014 Jingle Bell Run/ Walk in Fargo, ND.  This will be her 2nd Jingle Bell and she is super excited.  The Jingle Bell helps create awareness and raise funds to find a cure for Arthritis.  This year Brenna is hoping have a huge team.  Will you join in?  You can register here.  For those of you that can't literally join us in Fargo in December, have no worries!  You can join us "virtually" and enjoy the Fargo Jingle Bell from home in comfort of your pajamas!  Lets Walk and Run together to find a cure.  Or, if you prefer, you can make a donation to Brenna's page here.





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Friday, July 18, 2014

I am the Face of Arthritis

Brenna, Age 6
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