2009 Little Rock Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis Honoree

Rebecca Kuo

At first glance, Rebecca Kuo is a normal ten year old. She loves reading, music, dancing, acting, and playing Lava Monster Tag with her friends at Pulaski Heights Elementary. It surprises friends to learn that she has arthritis.

Rebecca was diagnosed with pauciarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis five years ago. The disease has invaded her knees, eyes, and jaw, but a multi-medication regimen has brought it under control. These days, Rebecca says her arthritis doesn't affect her too much, except for her occasional joint stiffness, her daily medicines and weekly shots, and all her doctor appointments. "I'll never get through a whole school year with perfect attendance," she notes.

Rebecca is excited to be the representative for the 2009 Arkansas Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run. "If there are kids worse than me, I feel I should help support them and get them to where I am -- a couple of shots and a couple of pills and running around like normal."