Introduction

SALT LAKE CITY — Brace yourself for an eye-opening statistic: nearly 30,000 children under 18 in Utah are grappling with arthritis. Among them are Gabby and Sophia Rond, two brave teenagers on a mission to shed light on a condition that many people don’t associate with youth.

The Journey of the Rond Family

Their mother, Candace Rond, recalls the heart-wrenching journey of seeking help for her daughters. "When Gabby was just 2 years old, she began experiencing severe joint pain. It was a frustrating experience, constantly searching for answers," she said. The family was eventually referred to a rheumatologist when Gabby turned 9 – a process that was anything but simple, especially with a mere six specialists available in the Mountain West region at the time.

"I was shocked when we received the diagnosis," Candace continued. "But that shock quickly turned to relief. Finally, we had a name to the pain that had caused so much distress in our lives." The Ronds are not alone in their surprise; many families are unaware that arthritis can affect children, with the prevailing misconception that it only impacts older adults.

Myths versus Reality

The reality of juvenile arthritis is often overshadowed by myths. According to the Mayo Clinic, the root cause remains largely unknown, possibly involving genetic and environmental influences. Furthermore, various medical institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic and Northwestern University, have debunked numerous myths surrounding arthritis, such as the idea that all joint pain signifies arthritis or that cracking knuckles leads to the disease.

Raising Awareness

To tackle these misconceptions, organizations like the Arthritis Foundation Utah and the University of Utah Hospital are stepping up their efforts to educate families and communities about all forms of arthritis, particularly juvenile arthritis. Rod Hamson, the executive director of the Arthritis Foundation’s Utah, Idaho, and Montana region, emphasizes the widespread reach of the condition: "Around 400,000 people in Utah live with different forms of arthritis. It affects individuals across all age groups, especially young children who may not show visible signs."

Gabby and Sophia's Advocacy

Now 13, Gabby, along with her 15-year-old sister, Sophia, has become a beacon of hope and education in their community. As junior ambassadors for the Arthritis Foundation, they actively advocate for children experiencing invisible diseases, even in front of lawmakers at the Utah State Capitol and U.S. Congress. "People often don’t realize how much pain we endure," remarked Sophia. "Just because I look fine on the outside doesn’t mean I'm not suffering."

Both girls manage their daily lives amidst the pain, often facing challenges like joint stiffness each morning and side effects from medication that impacts their health. However, they find solace in their passions. Gabby is a level 6 gymnast aiming for a college future in the sport, while Sophia dances on her high school drill team.

Participating in the Jingle Bell Run

The sisters will be participating in the festive Jingle Bell Run, benefiting the Arthritis Foundation, where they hope to raise awareness about their journey and connect with others facing similar battles. "There are thousands of kids in Utah living with invisible illnesses, and it’s important to share our story," Gabby mentioned.

Conclusion

As they continue to advocate and educate, Gabby and Sophia Rond remind us of the resilience of children living with arthritis and the critical importance of awareness and understanding in fighting this often-overlooked disease. So the next time you think of arthritis, remember: it’s not just an old person’s ailment, but a reality for many young fighters.