Meet Becky Miller
2009 Boston Arthritis Walk Ambassador

In her own words, Becky Miller, 2009 Boston Arthritis Walk Ambassador, tells the story of her journey with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA).

"Hi! My name is Becky. I am 21 years old and I will be graduating from Brandeis University in the spring of 2010 with a double major in biology and psychology. My joint problems started when I was 8 years old. We were on vacation and I got a high fever and swollen ankles that hurt to walk on. Soon after that I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Thirteen years later, JRA is still a large part of my life affecting most of my joints in my arms and legs. I give myself weekly injections and take a handful of pills everyday. I still deal with the daily pain and stiffness of JRA and I am always on the lookout for new, more effective medications. Nevertheless, I have not let JRA take over my life. In fact, I believe that JRA has helped me become a stronger and more compassionate person.

At the time of my diagnosis, I was active in gymnastics. JRA did not change that! Practices were tough and I often would have preferred to stay home but I continued to go to gymnastics and even managed to compete for 4 years! Years later I am still active in many different activities. I have been singing for the past 8 years, and I enjoy dancing and performing. This past year I joined the Brandeis Ski Team! I love the feeling when I race down the mountain; it just goes to show that nothing can hold me back even JRA.

My experiences growing up with JRA and all the obstacles that come with it have helped me develop a passion for medicine. I volunteer as an Emergency Medical Technician on Brandeis' own emergency medical corps, and this summer I will be interning at the National Institute of Health doing research directly with JRA! It is so exciting to have the opportunitiy to personally play a role in finding a cure for JRA. I hope to become a physical therapist in the future so that I can help other young people like myself.

I am thrilled and honored to be one of this years walk ambassadors. I have been walking with my team Fighting Arthri-DEIS for the past 3 years and I am so excited to make this year's walk even better than past years. I hope to continue to raise awareness throughout the area and to teach everyone that arthritis is not just an 'old person' disease! "