Blaise, an 8th grader living in State College, has lupus also known as systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE for short). Lupus like rheumatoid arthritis is life long and has no cure. Also, lupus can often seem like many other diseases, so lupus can be missed or miss-diagnosed. Blaise was very lucky; he was diagnosed and treated quickly.
During the winter and spring of 2006, Blaise got really sick with unexplained fevers and joint problem pain and swelling. It took three months for the doctors to figure out what was going on in his body.
The pediatric rheumatology doctors at the Hershey Medical Center figured out what was going on. The doctors and nurses at Hershey care a lot about Blaise and helped him learn how to manage living with lupus.
Blaise is thankful for the excellent doctors and nurses who give their time and energy to help him and other kids like him. He enjoys being with friends, playing videos games, building legos, playing violin, scuba diving, riding his bike, hiking with friends and family.
Walk with us this spring
The Arthritis Walk® is the Arthritis Foundation’s annual nationwide event that raises awareness and funds to fight arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. It is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children doctor-diagnosed with arthritis. Get your company involved or recruit friends and family members to form a team. Best of all, walk in honor of a loved one with arthritis and know you’re making a difference by raising funds to support Arthritis Foundation research, public health and public policy efforts to improve the lives of people with arthritis.
At the Event…
Choose from a three-mile or one-mile walk route
Write an inspirational message on the Wall of Heroes
Wear a blue “hero” hat if you have arthritis
Enjoy the fun, festivities and free health information
Register Today
Register online today! Once you register, you can set up your own personal Web page and begin fund raising. Raise $100 or more and earn an official Arthritis Walk® T-shirt.
