JAM
AMBASSADOR
Megan Johnston
Less than two years ago, 15-year-old Megan Johnston received news that would change her life and the lives of her family, forever; she was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile arthritis. Now, Megan and her family are affected by her diagnosis in some way each day. I get frustrated because it doesn't look like anything is wrong with me, but on the inside I am hurting so much, Megan said. Her mother, Maureen, said, Often, my husband and I wish Megan could give her arthritis to one of us instead — these instincts we share with parents everywhere, even though we all know it cannot happen.
Megan lives with constant pain, but she doesn't let her arthritis stop her from living life. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with my friends. I don't always get to do the same things they do. I have to make choices about what I want to accomplish, Megan said. She has learned to push through the pain and continues to take part in many school sports and activities. Megan has been voted most spirited by her cross country teammates. She excels in school and prides herself on being a good student and involved in extra-curricular activities other than sports.
After her diagnosis, Megan's family searched for support. They found it in the Arthritis Foundation. The Johnstons started attending Juvenile Family Network Meetings (JAFN) regularly and Megan was able to attend Camp M.A.S.H. Through the Arthritis Foundation, the Johnstons learned about the Juvenile Arthritis March (JAM). They instantly decided to get involved and form a team, Megan's Mob. Last year Megan raised more than $6,000 and recruited nearly 40 people to join her team, earning her the Rookie Team of the Year Award.
Last summer, Megan attended Camp M.A.S.H. (Make Arthritis Stop Hurting) for the first time. She met other teens living with arthritis and formed lifelong friendships while learning more about her disease. I am keeping in contact with them and we are already looking forward to next year. We also plan on getting together for JAM, Megan said.
Megan has high hopes for an arthritis cure. With events like JAM, more money will be raised to go towards research. My doctor, Dr. Binstadt, is a great researcher, and he is excited to learn more about arthritis and help all of us with this disease so we can lead healthy, productive and, hopefully, pain-free lives, she said.
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