2017 Jingle Bell Run: Racine Native Is This Year's Honoree

RACINE, WI — 29-year-old Racine native Audrey Seitz considers herself a "Zebra," and she has earned that badge of courage.

In the medical profession, a "Zebra" is a person who has a rare medical diagnosis. That diagnosis came unexpectedly and altered the course of her life.

When she was 20 years old, Seitz was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, a life-threatening autoimmune disorder that attacks the body's joints and often involves other body systems as well. She also learned she had a rare genetic disorder that led to her rheumatoid arthritis.

This weekend, Seitz is walking in the Jingle Bell Run. The festive 5K race, will be held Sunday, Nov. 12, 10 a.m. at the Rock Snow Park located at 7900 W. Crystal Ridge Drive in Franklin. People dress up in funny costumes and brave the elements to support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to cure arthritis.

According to WebMD, only one in 25,000 people have the same genetic disorder as Seitz. The odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis is one in 714 for women in their 20s.

Seitz remembers when it all began.

The St. Catherine's High School graduate was studying abroad on the island of Malta as a 20-year-old Luther College Student, teaching Somali and Sudanese refugees English.

How to Go: 2017 Jingle Bell Run

• The Rock Sports Complex 7900 W. Crystal Ridge Drive, Franklin
• Nov 12, 2017 10:00 a.m.
• Entry fees start at $20 for kids and $35 for adults.

How to Help

Donate to the Jingle Bell Run, to help them reach 2017's fundraising goal!

While on Malta, Seitz started seeing unusual symptoms appear all at once - severe joint pain, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches. "Noone knew what to do, so they sent me home on an emergency flight. I saw a doctor on Tuesday, was on a plane Wednesday and went to the ER straight from the airport, " Seitz said. "I told my parents 'I'm coming home in 12 hours,' it was a little bit scary."

Over the years, Seitz has been able to manage her pain with her "amazing care team" at All Saints hospital. She serves as a mentor for younger people who are experiencing the new realities of rheumatoid arthritis. She has plans to return to school to pursue a career in public health.

On Sunday, Seitz will be the team captain for the "Zooming Zebras" as they participate in the 2017 Jingle Bell Run. She will be surrounded by friends, family, and members of her care team. "Jennifer Takata [Osteopathic Medicine, Internal Medicine specialist at All Saints Hospital in Racine] is the head of my team, and she pretty much saved my life," Seitz said. "Everyone has a battle, I'm convinced."

Photo courtesy of The Arthritis Foundation