Mason Merager
Small and mighty. That’s how many describe twelve year old middle school student Mason from Wyoming. Mason is just like any other twelve year old boy… he likes to hang out with his friends, play hockey and baseball, travel and pick on his little sister. What makes him different from most other kids is that Mason is living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Diagnosed at age three, Mason has grown up with this autoimmune disease that destroys joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues. JIA prevents him from moving his joints properly, often hampering or halting his physical movement.
Although Mason is only 12 years old, he often inspires others to look for the positive in every situation. He uses his voice to help battle his illness and to make his story known for the benefit of other children by advocating for those living with JIA. Mason is well known for his advocacy efforts with the Arthritis Foundation as he speaks on the necessity of adequate medical care for children with chronic illnesses and other medical specialties. Mason’s determination and resiliency in the face of his disease is truly an inspiration to all who meet him.
Submitted by Anonymous
