Putting A Youthful Face on the Battle Against Arthritis

A 10-year-old Hauppauge girl plans to boldly share her story of everyday struggles to help raise awareness for children with arthritis. 

Kylie McCormick, a fifth-grader at , will be named the youth honoree at the 10th anniversary of the North Babylon Arthritis Walk this Saturday. Kylie, while excited for the event, sees it as one more opportunity to personally educate others that more than 300,000 U.S. children suffer from arthritis, starting with her own story. 

"A lot of people don't know kids get arthritis. Without me having to tell or ask her, Kylie's always anted to be very open about it and wants to answer any questions people might have," said Amy McCormick, Kylie's mother. 

Kylie was first diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at age 8, an autoimmune disease in which her immune system attacks several of her joints. Her treatment requiring two weekly injections in addition to medication to help control pain and inflammation. 

However, Kylie hasn't let it slow her down as she swims and takes karate. She's also studying acting and singing. 

"It hurts me more than regular kids to do it. Sometimes it might make me a little slower, but I do it because I know its just my way of life," Kylie said. 

Upon transferring to Forest Brook Elementary School this year, Kylie said she shared her diagnosis with her classmates, educating them by answering any questions they had about arthritis. 

"Some kids say, 'You don't look like you have arthritis.' I have to explain to them  arthritis is more inside than outside. Others are shocked saying, ' My grandma and grandpa have that,' but it's different," Kylie said. 

The preteen recently underwent training to become a national ambassador for the Youth Arthritis Foundation. Kylie said by learning how better to share her story and advocate to elected officials, she hopes to bring more awareness and funding to the search for a cure. 

"Many people don't know what children do have arthritis and we are not making it up, we are telling the truth," Kylie said. "If people donate, then all the kids who are suffering can have a less painful life one day." 

Kylie is leading a 31-member team this weekend, Kylie's Kickers, who will walk in the 2012 Arthritis Walk this Saturday at Belmont Lakes State Park. Although they have reached their fund raising goal of $2,000, Kylie is hoping more will donate or come out to walk

The 10th anniversary of the North Babylon Arthrtis Walk will be held May 12 at Belmont Lakes State Park, 625 Belmont Ave., Babylon. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. with the walk starting at 11 a.m. There is no minimum donation.