08/12/2026
We are honored to spotlight Amelia, this year’s Youth Honoree at the Raleigh Jingle Bell Run on Saturday, December 5! 🎄🔔
Amelia’s journey began at just 2 years old, when she became seriously ill with persistent high fevers, pain, and fluid around her heart, resulting in a week-long hospitalization. Over the next several years, she experienced multiple hospitalizations before finally receiving a diagnosis of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA) at age 5.
While the diagnosis brought answers, it also came with new challenges. Amelia began daily injections, which were incredibly difficult for her. Today, at 6 years old, her treatment is down to once a month and helps keep her symptoms manageable—allowing her to be the fun, dance-loving, and resilient little girl she is. 💜
As this year’s Youth Honoree, Amelia hopes to raise awareness not only about Juvenile Arthritis, but also about the rare subtype SJIA. Through sharing her story, she hopes to inspire support for research, increase understanding, and bring hope to other families navigating a similar journey.
Join us in supporting Amelia’s Army! You can donate to her team or join the team and help us make this year’s Jingle Bell Run one to remember: https://events.arthritis.org/teams/43486