Grace’s Story
When my specialist diagnosed me with juvenile arthritis (JIA) in July 2024, I told him my goal was to be on the start line when the Surf Lifesaving season opened in October. I remember he gently nodded but my parents shook their heads. They were thinking it would be impossible for me to achieve this when I struggled to walk down our hallway each morning. I needed help dressing myself, I couldn’t squeeze honey on my weetbix and I would randomly drop things like eggs in the kitchen ‑ my hands and wrists were so weak.
I have loved the ocean from a young age. In May 2024, the ocean proved to be the best medicine when I noticed swelling/joint pain in my hands, wrists, feet, knees, shoulders and elbows. Throughout the months of tests and scans I remained positive and focused on my goal. As well as being unable to train for the upcoming season, an extra hurdle was that my age group (U14s) was required to race on a mal paddle board when the season commenced in October. I was now too heavy for the mal paddleboard I had practised on last year and my parents were understandably reluctant to purchase me a new board…because even simple tasks like pulling up my sheet in bed at night was such an effort for me.
However, through the help and support of The Arthritis Movement’s JIA Financial Support Program I was able to purchase a suitable secondhand board and it motivated me even more to achieve my goal. Finally, after 7 weeks on the new medication I started to feel like my old self and I signed up for the Forster Weekend of Surf Carnival.
It was pure joy standing on the start line, I had zero expectations and was simply happy to be back doing what I love. I surprisingly came 5th place in the Iron Person Event, and 1st place in my debut race on a mal – all thanks to my ‘purple power’ board!
