01/14/2026
Drum roll please... we are thrilled to announce ✨Penelope✨ as our 2026 Youth Honoree at the Walk to Cure Arthritis on Saturday, May 2nd at Fenton in Cary, NC!
Penelope is a funny, silly, adventurous and brave 2 year old. She loves to read, draw, climb and go to ballet! In December of 2024, her family noticed that Penelope wouldn’t want to walk in the mornings and that her knee was swollen and warm. After a few appointments and different uses, Penelope was diagnosed with Juvenile arthritis in February at 21 months old. Her family was stunned, as they didn’t even know this was an option for a child so young.
Thankfully, she responded wonderfully to a steroid injection and her new medication! She has been a completely different kid since her diagnosis and treatment. She became fearless and curious, and she hasn’t stopped running since her pain has faded.
Even with all the appointments, injections, and blood draws, she continues to be a brave and happy two year old. She hasn’t let anything slow her down.
Penelope is excited to be this year’s Youth Honoree at the Walk to Cure Arthritis! To support Penelope, you can join and/or donate to her team, Penelope’s Pals: https://events.arthritis.org/teams/40505