Pediatric Rheumatology Patient Stories

Have your own inspiring patient story to share? If you’d like to share your Nicklaus Children's story to inspire hope, and help other families find answers to questions they’re seeking for their child, please contact us at: info@nicklaushealth.org.

Patient of the Month: Alexandra

June 21, 2016 – When she was 7 years old, Alexandra started experiencing pain, especially in her feet. At first, her parents thought maybe it was growing pains, or perhaps related to playing sports. It soon became clear that Alexandra had something much more serious when the pain became too much for her to even walk.

Rolando's Success Story

January 30, 2012 – At 9 years old, Rolando was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disorder. Since then, Rolando has been cared for by the rheumatology team at Nicklaus Children's as an inpatient and outpatient.

Ricky's Success Story

January 30, 2012 – Ricky was right in the middle of an extremely active and athletic childhood when he awoke one morning with surprising stiffness and pain in his lower legs. Under the care of the Nicklaus Children's Division of Rheumatology, Ricky began treatments with medications and regular physical therapy that helped him regain function lost as a result of his arthritic flareups.

Kristen's story (juvenile arthritis)

January 30, 2012 – Kristen was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 2 years old. Despite the medications prescribed by her doctor, her arthritis kept progressing. At Nicklaus Children's Hospital she found the treatment she needed.

Kimberly's story (juvenile arthritis)

January 30, 2012 – Kimberly won't let juvenile arthritis to stop her from dancing. At 10 years old she is an Irish dancing champion, participating in national competitions. Kimberly has been a patient at the Division of Rheumatology for eight years, treated with medications that do not contain steroids.

Elana's Story (Churg Strauss Syndrome)

December 14, 2006 – On Christmas Day 1998, Elana woke up with a fever and a rash. She couldn't move her joints. Her mother, Laura, brought her to the Nicklaus Children's Hospital where she was diagnosed with a rare and fatal disease: Churg Strauss Syndrome (CSS).