Cassell Student With Juvenile Arthritis Holds Bake Sale Benefit

CHICAGO, IL - At 12 years old, Mt. Greenwood resident Jenna May has endured more than many have in an entire lifetime. The Cassell Elementary School seventh grader was diagnosed two years ago with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Uveitis, and Hashimotos, three conditions that require her to receive monthly infuses and doctor visits every few weeks.

Chelsea May, Jenna's mom, has been by her side through a journey that's included both time and financial hardships as well as moments of comfort. The May family was awarded a scholarship to connect with the National Arthritis Foundation and appear at the national convention in Houston, where they were able to connect with others suffering through the same hardships.

"Jenna was able to be with her peers," Chelsea said. "There really isn't a national foundation for Uveitis, but we were able to get in touch with a woman who blogs from Seattle and she was able to connect us to the Arthritis Foundation."

Uveitis, Chelsea describes, is like arthritis in the eyes.

"There's a higher degree of inflammation and fluid in the eye," she said, noting that Jenna was not diagnosed until she was 10 years old.

"She was most likely born with it. Woke up one morning not seeking well and lost her vision throughout the day," Chelsea said. "None of the eye doctors saw what it was at first and neither did the school eye doctor. We later found out it was caused by juvenile arthritis."

Having been granted the scholarship to the national conference sparked Chelsea and her family to "do something to give back." They will do just that this Friday during the Mt. Greenwood Holiday Stroll.

The May family and others will raise money for the National Arthritis Foundation with a bake sale at the 19th Ward's Mt. Greenwood Office, 3215 W. 111th St. from 4-7 p.m. Those supporting Mt. Greenwood businesses during the stroll can purchase baked goods or make a standalone donation to the Foundation at the office.

"We couldn't do a bake sale at school because they already do one for the PTA," Chelsea said. "But (19th Ward Ald.) Matt (O'Shea) was great and said we could do it at his office."

Donations of individually bagged cookies, brownies, cupcakes and other treats are also being accepted. Call Chelsea at 773-954-0567 or chelseamaymay@yahoo.com if you are interested in contributing to the effort.

The family will also sell crafts and have a donation bucket at the Cassell vendor night event the night before the stroll on Nov. 30.

There will also be a chance to donate to the foundation in honor of Jenna through the Jingle Bell Run that will be held on Dec. 9 at Soldier Field. A team, 'Through Jenna's Eyes,' will participate in the 5K run and has raised $115 of a $2,000 goal. Those interested in Jenna's journey can follow Through Jenna's Eyes on Facebook as well.

Chelsea says that while the last two-and-a-half years have been difficult times dealing with different medications, significant medical costs and issues with insurance coverage, the community has helped the family pull through both financially and with good spirits. A YouCaring effort to help offset Jenna's medical expenses has raised nearly $5,000 from 59 different donors.

Through the bake sale fundraiser, vendor night event and Jingle Bell Run, it's the May family's hope that those same generous neighbors will help others like Jenna.

Photo provided by Chelsea May