Young Hero ~ 6 year old Lillian

July 11, 2009

Young Hero: Girl, 6, to serve as Arthritis Foundation's Walk Hero

At first glance, Lillian Dixon looks every bit like a normal 6-year-old.

She can be found playing on the swing set in her front yard, toting around a

giant ladybug toy and smiling, or hanging out with her brother.

But on the inside Lillian is fighting one of the rarest forms of arthritis.

When Lillian was 3 years old, she was diagnosed with systemic juvenile

rheumatoid arthritis. The disease started in her legs and the base of her

spine and attacked forcefully, leaving her right hip deformed. Not only does

JRA affect the joints, but it can also invade internal organs and cause

inflammation. Lillian must undergo regular MRIs and ultrasounds to make sure

her organs stay in good health.

Along with frequent doctor's visits, Lillian takes 12 different medications.

The list of medications includes a daily and weekly injection.

Latrhonda Dixon, Lillian's mother, said the most difficult part of dealing

with Lillian's disease is the fact that it affects her daughter's daily

life.

" Lilly gets really tired, " Dixon said. " It is hard to travel. We have to be

sure she can get out and stretch because she gets stiff. "

Despite her condition, the youngster stays active. Last year Lillian and the

rest of the Dixon family participated in the Lubbock Arthritis Foundation

walk and this year Lillian was chosen as the Walk Hero.

In 2008, Latrhonda Dixon raised $1,500 to donate to the Arthritis Foundation

in order to help those in need and raise awareness of arthritis in Lubbock.

" There are so many people that don't understand arthritis, " Dixon said. " I

used to be that person. "

The 2009 Lubbock Arthritis Walk ... is put on to raise awareness about the

disease and those who suffer from it.

According to the Arthritis Foundation's national Web site, more than 300,000

children suffer from juvenile arthritis and approximately 1.3 million

Americans deal with rheumatoid arthritis.

" Maybe someone that walked years ago is the reason why my daughter has her

medicine today, " Dixon said.

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