Invisible Battles: Utah Families Raise Awareness for Childhood Arthritis
Across Utah, nearly 30,000 young lives are impacted by a disease that often goes unseen.
While arthritis is often associated with aging, there’s a hidden truth: children can get arthritis too. For the Rond family of Utah, this truth became a reality when their daughter Gabby was diagnosed at age nine.
"Before I started doing some research, I didn’t realize children could get arthritis, but I know now," her mother, Candace Rond, said. "When they told us the diagnosis, I was both shocked and relieved. Relieved because we can put a name to it. It was a very frustrating process, so hearing ‘arthritis’ gave us a name to get help."
A few years later, Gabby’s younger sister Sophia also received the same diagnosis. The family learned first-hand that juvenile arthritis, though less common than adult arthritis, is a very real challenge, impacting thousands of children throughout Utah.
“Four hundred thousand people total in Utah have been diagnosed with a form of arthritis. So it impacts a lot of people and people of all ages,” explained Rod Hamson, executive director of the Utah, Idaho and Montana region of the Arthritis Foundation.
Misconceptions surrounding arthritis are rampant, often leading to missed diagnoses and delayed treatment. Many believe only older individuals suffer from arthritis. Others cling to old wives’ tales like “all joint pain is arthritis," "if you crack your knuckles you will get arthritis,” or that grape juice can cure arthritis pain.
Medical experts across the country have debunked these myths through extensive research. The Mayo Clinic states that while the cause of juvenile arthritis remains largely unknown, a combination of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role.
Hospitals and organizations like the Arthritis Foundation work tirelessly to dispel these misconceptions and educate the public about the different forms of arthritis, including juvenile arthritis.
A Family’s Journey: Two Sisters Spreading Awareness
Fueled by their personal experiences, light with a burning desire to educate others. Revitalized beyond the diagnosis, Gabby, now 13, and Sophia, 15, are giving back by serving as junior ambassadors for the Utah chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. They use their platform to raise awareness about the reality of living with juvenile arthritis, even addressing lawmakers from the Utah State Capitol to the halls of Congress.
“**I** may look normal, but I’m not normal,” said Sophia. “As a junior ambassador, I can let people know they are not alone. Some kids don’t have the power to use their voice.”
Managing the disease is a daily challenge.
“There are times when I wish I could just run and play like other girls my age,” Gabby confessed, “But I just can’t sometimes.”
Both girls experience intense pain, often struggling to get out of bed in the morning due to stiffness and pain. Medications bring relief, but with unwanted side effects. “There are things I can’t do, but I try. And when people know what we go through, they understand more,” Sophia explained.
The sisters recognize movement is key to managing their condition. Gabby aspired to compete in college as a level 6 gymnast. Sophia expresses herself through dance, a member of her high school’s drill team.
Their resilience shines through. They know their voice matters.
“First noticed,” Gabby said, “There are thousands of kids with invisible diseases in Utah. We try to share our story when we can.”
This fight, the Ronds believe, isn’
What are the biggest misconceptions surrounding childhood arthritis?
## Invisible Battles: A Conversation About Childhood Arthritis
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re talking about a condition that often flies under the radar, impacting thousands of children right here in Utah. Joining us is Rod Hamson, executive director of the Arthritis Foundation for Utah, Idaho, and Montana. Rod, thank you for being here.
**Rod Hamson:** It’s my pleasure to be here.
**Host:** We recently shared the story of the Rond family, whose two daughters both have juvenile arthritis. It’s a powerful reminder that arthritis isn’t just a condition that affects older adults. Can you tell us more about juvenile arthritis and its prevalence in our state?
**Rod Hamson:** Absolutely. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or JIA, is the most common type of arthritis in children and teens. [1] While it’s less common than adult arthritis, it still impacts about 30,000 young lives in Utah alone. As we see with the Rond family, it can be a challenging and often misunderstood condition.
**Host:** There seem to be many misconceptions surrounding arthritis, particularly when it comes to children. What are some of the biggest myths you encounter?
**Rod Hamson:** That’s right. One of the biggest is that arthritis only affects older adults. As we’ve seen, that’s simply not true. Another common misconception is that all joint pain is arthritis. While joint pain can be a symptom of arthritis, it can also be caused by other factors. We also hear myths like cracking your knuckles causes arthritis or that grape juice can cure arthritis pain. These are simply not supported by medical evidence.
**Host:** So, what causes juvenile arthritis?
**Rod Hamson:** While the exact cause remains unknown, researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors likely play a role. [1]
**Host:** Thank you for shedding light on this important issue, Rod. What resources are available for families impacted by JIA?
**Rod Hamson:** The Arthritis Foundation is a great resource for support, information, and connection. We offer educational programs, support groups, and advocacy initiatives. Families can learn more and connect with us at arthritis.org. [1]
**Host:** Thank you Rod, for sharing your expertise and for the vital work the Arthritis Foundation does to support individuals and families affected by arthritis. And to our viewers, remember, childhood arthritis is a real and often invisible battle. Join us in raising awareness and supporting those impacted by this condition.
