Los Angeles Arthritis Walk Honors High School Student

The Arthritis Foundation’s Pacific Region has chosen a local student to be the 2012 Youth Honoree at this weekend's annual Los Angeles Arthritis Walk.

Gabrielle Bresson, a junior at Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies or LACES, said she was pleasantly surprised when she learned of the honor.

“I was super psyched,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe they picked me.”

Bresson, who lives in Hollywood, was diagnosed with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was only two years old. She admits the road hasn’t been an easy one.

“It’s been a bit of a struggle,” she said.

Her mother, Sandra Bresson, said having her daughter honored by the Arthritis Foundation has, in many ways, been just what Gabrielle needed.

“It’s been a phenomenal experience for Gabrielle,” Sandra Bresson said. “It caused her to rethink of herself in a role model position.”

The high school junior has already given some speeches which she said have been both rewarding and challenging.

“I was nervous at the same time because I’m sharing my story, and it’s very personal,” Bresson said.

Katie Holmes, the Arthritis Foundation's development director, said one of the reasons Bresson was chosen as this year’s youth honoree is because of her positive attitude.

“Gabrielle is very motivating and very positive and has a great outlook on life despite her disease,” Holmes said. “She really does motivate a ton of people and is a great speaker.”

While Bresson won’t be able to walk on Saturday, she is looking forward to giving a speech and helping cheer on those around her.

This year marks the 11^th annual Los Angeles Arthritis Walk which will take place at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Santa Monica Pier. You can register, or find out more information online.

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