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Meet Shane Cox
When you meet Shane Cox of Petaluma, California, his quiet, calm demeanor gives little away about this young man. But whether he is speaking as an honoree at his localJingle Bell Runor at theCalifornia Coast Classic, it’s easy to realize he has experienced more in his young life than most his age.
Shane was only 10 years old when he was diagnosed withpolyarticular juvenile arthritis(JA). His mom, Jenn, became Shane’s nurse and had to learn how to administer his medication injections. Now 18, Shane administers them himself.
Before being diagnosed, Shane took part in several sports, including hockey, one of his favorites. Unfortunately, JA forced Shane to quit playing organized sports and instead stick to watching his favorite teams with his dad, Rick, and younger brother, Luke.
When Shane isn’t feeling well, plans change – no questions asked. The Cox family has learned not to take any day for granted and are dedicated to living each day to its fullest, regardless if JA throws a wrench in their plans. In Shane’s words, “Kids with juvenile arthritisare just like everybody else and would like to be treated that way.”
During their firstrheumatologistvisit at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), theArthritis Foundationwas introduced as a resource for kids, teens and families affected by JA. Shane’s mother began her research and found aJA campvideo about Camp Milagros, an overnight resident camp. After sharing it with Shane, his answer was an instant “yes” when asked about going.
Shane attended Camp Milagros the following summers, and the entire Cox family participated in theNational Juvenile Arthritis Conference. Shane is looking forward to becoming junior counselor at Camp Milagros and working with kids who are in the same position he was in just a few years ago. Besides the national conference, he and his family have been involved in JA family education days and have participated and volunteered at their localWalk to Cure Arthritis“铃儿响叮当跑”和“关节炎自行车经典项目”。Jenn recently become aPlatinum Ambassadorfor the Arthritis Foundation.
The Cox family hopes the future will bring acure for arthritis. In the meantime, they continue to raise awareness for JA and fundraise to help find a cure. Too many people are still unaware that children suffer from arthritis, even though300,000 kids in the U.S. are affected by this often invisible disease.
Shane has big dreams for his future and recently started studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he’s focusing on fish hatchery management and forestry services. His family proudly looks forward to seeing him realize his dreams.
You cansupport Shane and the Arthritis Foundation by donatingon his behalf before the end of the year. When yougive to the Arthritis Foundation, you help support our commitment to help 54 million Americans with arthritis say Yes!
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