Questions and answers about life with rheumatoid arthritis and invisible illness. Continue reading
Tag Archives: childhood arthritis
Get My Book Sick Idiot: On Sale Now!
The time has come: Sick Idiot has arrived! You can now order my funny-yet-inspiring nonfiction health memoir, Sick Idiot, in paperback! Chapter titles include: “That Time I Cried On The Pitcher’s Mound and Saw My Grandma’s Doctor” “That Time I Was a Cheerleader … With Arthritis … On A Hit-List” “That Time I Had a … Continue reading
Dear Santa: A Christmas Poem from a Patient
Dear Santa, Please make my wish come true. It’s a tall order, but I believe in you. Christmas miracles, they happen, right? If so, can you make me feel alright? I can do without glittery diamonds or wealth, I can even go without an Elf on the Shelf, All I want, Santa, is really my … Continue reading
Don’t Bench Yourself: An Inspiring Juvenile Arthritis Story by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Today, I spoke at an Arthritis Foundation Juvenile Arthritis Family Day event in my area. I wanted to share the text of my speech with you all below. I will have videos and photos at a later time, to share on my arthritis Facebook page. Enjoy, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know … Continue reading
Education and JA: Get the Facts on 504 Plans and Juvenile Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Every child has unique and specific needs when it comes to their education — but children with conditions such as juvenile arthritis may have an even more difficult time at school. Whether it is carrying loaded backpacks or heavy books, having trouble participating in gym class, missing school altogether, or sitting for extended periods of … Continue reading
The Pediatric Rheumatology Shortage: What’s a Juvenile Arthritis Patient to Do? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Approximately 300,000 American children and teens live with juvenile arthritis – that’s about 1 in 250. Yes – you read that correctly: 1 in 250 kids suffers from arthritis. If that number isn’t eye-opening enough, check out this staggering statistic: there are only 250 active and board certified pediatric rheumatologists in the United States. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
NASCAR Driver Todd Peck Brings Awareness to Juvenile Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Todd Peck, born in January 1986, has already been racing for 12 – yes, 12! – years, since the young age of 14. This NASCAR driver, who hails out of Central Pennsylvania, is part of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at the Greenville Pickens Speedway in … Continue reading
A Nation Unaware: We Need To Increase Juvenile Arthritis Awareness – by Ashley Boynes
“She’s just a hypochondriac.” “He’s lying.” “It’s all in their head. They just want attention.” “You’re faking!” “Oh, you’re too young for arthritis.” These are all phrases that children and teens with juvenile arthritis will, unfortunately, come across many times during the course of their lives and their illness. Even the adults that these kids … Continue reading