Livingston Teen Living with Arthritis Helps to Fight for a Cure

If you or someone that you know suffers from arthritis, then you know how serious the condition can be.

Take the case of Lexi Narotzky of Livingston - the recently named National Young Adult Honoree of the “2015 Walk to Cure Arthritis” – who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when she was three years old.

Narotzky, now 16, still deals with the disease on a daily basis.

“There are certain days and times I feel fine and other days when I can hardly move,” she said.

Mindful of her limitations, Narotzky takes her medication and carefully monitors her activities.

“It’s humbling to watch your contemporaries participate in gym class while you sit on the sidelines knowing that if you run too far or too fast, you may not be able to even walk up the stairs to your bedroom when you get home.”

According to The Arthritis Foundation, a NJ-based nonprofit, Arthritis affects 50 million Americans, or roughly one in five adults of all ages. Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that can seriously affect joints, muscles, internal organs and eyes, and cause serious pain and disability.

In New Jersey, 1.5 million adults and 8,600 children live with the disease.

“Lexi is a true role model and champion for young people who live with arthritis, helping us lead the fight to ensure that the focus is on research to find better treatments and a cure for this debilitating disease,” stated Ingrid Montecino, President and CEO, Arthritis Foundation Northeast Region.

“I’m so grateful to be the National Young Adult Honoree so I can help other young people and let them know they are not alone,” said Narotzky.

According to a release, Narotzky also uses her experience to advocate for people living with arthritis at the federal and state level. In March, she traveled to Washington, DC for the Arthritis Foundation’s Advocacy Summit to share her story and urge members of Congress to support policies that help people with arthritis have access to quality care and affordable, life-changing medications.

ARTHRITIS WALK

Looking for a way to support Narotzky’s effort?

The “Walk to Cure Arthritis” will take place this spring in Bergen County (May 31), Essex County (June 7) and South Jersey (May 2).

Visit www.walktocurearthritis.org to learn more about the event.

To join Lexi’s Walk team, visit her Walk to Cure Arthritis page here.

Send Livingston news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com