Arthritis Isn't Slowing Down This Cranford Eighth-Grader

Growing up can be hard because there are so many things children do not understand. For Julia Madsen, a 13-year-old from Cranford, growing up with Rheumatoid Arthritis was a big challenge. Madsen was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 2, but it has been in remission for the past three years.  

According to Nicole Lewis, the Community Development Manager for the Arthritis Foundation, the number one cause for disability in the United States is arthritis and 9,000 children in New Jersey have it. Lewis also said many people do not realize children can get the disease and it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.  

 “I was a little confused,” Madsen said. “I didn’t know why I had it.”

The doctors told her the joints in her knees were inflamed and she would have to take medicine and have blood work done constantly. She said her family and friends were supportive and helpful, but her friends did not understand what was wrong with her until she entered fifth or sixth grade.

“It was upsetting for my parents when we found out,” she said. “It was really hard for them to understand. If I was hurting they would know what to do.”

The arthritis was the worst between the ages of 4 and 6, she said. But, it was not until the age of 7 or 8 that she understood what was truly wrong with her. At one point it was unbearable, but eventually with the help of her family she did what she had to do, Madsen said. 

“I kind of just went along with it,” Madsen said. “I understood what was going on and knew what I had to do for it.”

When the arthritis was severe, her dad gave her shots everyday in her leg or arm, which she said was not pleasant at all. Also, because her medicine could affect her liver, she had to get blood work done once a month to make sure everything was okay. She said there were times when she felt fed up and angry. At the age of 7, Madsen said she just wanted to be a kid and forget about the condition.

“I’m done with this medicine,” she thought. “I don’t want to get my shots anymore. I don’t want to go to the blood doctor anymore.”

Her mother, Jackie said from the moment she could not stand up in her crib she knew there was something wrong. But, after learning arthritis was in their family history and physical activity could help, they were ready to battle it. Madsen has played soccer, basketball, and danced her entire life. 

“She never couldn’t do anything, we always kept her really active,” Jackie said.

But it's still a battle.

“Sometimes if I put too much pressure on my knees it can hurt,” Madsen added.

On Dec. 4, in Metuchen, the Arthritis Foundation will host its fifth annual Jingle Bell 5k run where all of the proceeds will go to the fight against arthritis. Madsen, her family and friends all participate. Madsen’s team, Julia’s Jammers, raised $15,000 in the last four years and Madsen alone has raised $1,000 this year.   

“Everyone loves it, because everyone does the run and then we all come back have a party and hang out,” Madsen said. “It’s such a great thing because everybody comes and its fun,” her mom added.

To donate or sign up for the run, go to http://www.arthritis.org/jingle-bell-run.php