On Saturday, September 13, I will be participating in BIKE HSS to benefit Hospital for Special Surgery.
As many of you know, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) when I was 12. I had been experiencing a lot of joint pain in my hip and had a fractured joint in my foot. The pain and soreness became so intense that it was hard to get out of bed in the morning. After many months of us trying to figure out what was happening and visiting different doctors, I was diagnosed with JIA.
During this time, I was fortunate enough to find a new sport that was easier on my joints - water polo - which has since become a really big part of my life. Now, I still have joint pain but thanks to my doctor at HSS, and to the injections/medication I have been taking, it is a lot easier to manage.
For those of you who do not know, musculoskeletal issues like JIA are among the leading causes of disability, affecting more than one in every two adults in the US. The money I want to raise through BIKE HSS will help the hospital do many things, including the following:
- Advance groundbreaking research for new treatments.
- Provide patients with life-changing care, from diagnosis to recovery.
- Share expertise globally and educate the next generation of leaders in the field.
I am participating in support of every person who suffers from a musculoskeletal condition because MOVEment, health, and wellness are so important.
Please consider a donation to my page. I really hope we can help patients who are still in pain.
How you MOVE is why I ride!
All the best,
Jonah
