Arthritis Foundation, Nebraska Chapter -- Nikole was a typical, active, friendly six-year-old. Then she began to have difficulty walking. She was irritable and could not be comforted. Her parents finally received a diagnosis during May of 2004: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most people do not realize that arthritis can affect infants, children and young adults; and Nikole’s parents were no different. They were shocked by the diagnosis and wondered what to do next. Like any parents, they worried about Nikole’s future and their hearts broke every time she screamed in pain. Then they contacted the Arthritis Foundation. They received literature regarding juvenile arthritis, joined a support group for families. Although Nikole’s condition fluctuates daily, her family feels hope for the future. Your United Way gift connects families like Nikole’s with that hope.

For more information on the Arthritis Foundation, Nebraska Chapter, click here.