Carol's Battle Starts Early
Carol, my wife, was diagnosed with JRA (Juvenille Rheumatoid Arthritis) when she only 14 months old.
At the time, 27 years ago, not much was known about treatments for JRA especially in children. There were not nearly as many choices of medication or doctors back then. Her parents, much to their credit, never gave up though. Doctors told her parents that she may never be able to walk normally or run and do the normal things that kids do, like ride a bike.
They apparently did not know whom they were dealing with. Carol and her parents did not give up, they went to the best. They went to Children's Memorial in Chicago and with several years of physical therapy, braces, medication, pain, and more determination then I have ever seen, Carol was able to walk unassisted and attended school and did the things "normal" kids do, yes, even ride a bike.
They were always willing to try new drugs, and even were involved in many case studies for the new drugs in development. Carol Graduated from high school with honors on time and near the top of her class. Then after attending college and having to drop out due to the arthritis she moved to Arizona.
Our Life Together
Carol moved out to Arizona figuring it would help her Arthrits. She landed a good job with a drug company (ironically enough) and the arthritis was not as bad, but the damage had been done.
This is where I come in. We met in arizona on the internet.
Right from day one I could tell there was something different about her, it had nothing to due with the arthritis, but it was something inside. We hit it off right away and a month later i asked her to be my wife. Then a month later we got bad news. Carol's left hip was shot, the years of arthritis had taken it's toll. She had the hip replaced in July and was determined to walk down the aisle herself (and dad of course) without any walking aides. I have learned never to doubt her, and with 4 months of intense physical therapy she made it down the aisle by herself. The next year she had her right hip replaced and again within 3 months she was up and about without any help.
Our new addition
Our biggest suprise came on our one year anniversary. Carol had been told by more than one doctor that she may not be able to have kids because of all the years of medication. Well, once again, she proved them wrong. In June of 2002 our first son was born. And in Dec. of 2003 our second arrived. Both boys are happy and healthy.
Carol's latest Challenge
Along with going back to school to become a phlebotomy technician, Carol has taken on her biggest challenge yet.
As a thank you to The Arthritis Foundation, whom have done so much for Carol and her family throughout the years, and a personal challenge of her own, Carol is currently in training to participate in the Joints in Motion Marathon to be held next january in Florida.
She will walk 26.2 miles in a little less than 7 hours. She will raise money for The Arthritis Foundation and prove to herself and her previous doctors, that yes, she CAN do this. I have no doubt in my mind that she will be able to do this, even with two "fake" hips and an ankle held together by screws.
You Can Help!
Everyone knows someone whom has Arthritis. One in three americans have some form of Arthritis. By raising money for The Arthritis Foundation we are hoping that no one, especially children, have to go through what Carol has.
We are are asking for your Tax-Deductible donation to support Carol in her cause, but more importantly, to raise money for research and education of this crippling disease. .82cents of each dollar raised will go directly to Research and Education.
You can contribute by clicking on the links on the side.
Either donate by Secure Credit Card transaction at Carol's website, or e-mail myself for our home mailing address to send a check or money order made out to THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION
Also listed are sites about Arthritis, Enbrel (her latest medication), The Arthritis Foundation, The Chicago Cubs (because we like them) and two of our supporters
The Chicago Wolves Hockey Team and The Australia Zoo with Steve and Terri Irwin.
Carol's entire list of supporters, so far, can be seen at her website.
http://cmiller1021.chariteam.com
bravenet.com