Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Jesse Owens 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run

Hometown: Delaware, OH
Age on Race Day: 10
Diagnosis: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Following a basketball game, Wil complained of his foot hurting. When the pain didn’t subside, Wil and his parents went to Nationwide Children's Hospital Urgent Care where an x-ray showed no damage to his bones. He went home in a foot brace to protect the area that was giving him trouble. The following week, however, the pain increased and was causing issues at bedtime. Additionally, his wrist became stiff, and he wasn’t able to move it without pain. A follow-up appointment with Wil’s pediatrician ended in a referral to Nationwide Children’s rheumatology team.   

Once seen, they were able to quickly identify Wil’s pain as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and set him on a path for relief.  

Faced with a new and intimidating world of daily pills and injections, the rheumatology team suggested Wil meet with a psychologist to discuss his fears of blood draws and injections. Quickly, Wil went from being a kid who ran and hid when it was time for a flu shot, to sitting through monthly blood draws with ease. 

“I am so grateful to the entire team,” says Sara, Wil’s mom. “They have a way of making us feel like Wil is their only patient. They take their time with him, listen to his concerns - and boy, does he like to talk.”   

Wil’s team continues to monitor his blood work and make adjustments, as the different medications interfere with his liver function, but he’s not in pain and is living his best life as a 9-year-old. He is back to playing sports without pain.