Madison's Story

Images by Kristy Klaassen Photography

Meet Maddison Morris. She loves to sing, dance and act. Maddison has psoriatic arthritis. Her family started asking questions when they first noticed that she was having trouble putting on her pants and when she began sleeping a lot. Her older brother had similar symptoms before he was diagnosed with arthritis, and her aunt has lupus so Maddison’s mom was worried that she may have lupus. She was seen by the rheumatology department at Children’s Hospital, and was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis is a systemic rheumatic disease that can cause inflammation in body tissue away from the joints, such as the eyes, heart, lungs and kidneys. Although Maddison does not have psoriasis, she was still diagnosed with this type of arthritis. She faces doctor’s appointments, blood tests and treatments for the rest of her life.

Maddison has to take many medications each day, and she suffers with stiffness for two to three hours every morning. She was very happy to learn that she will still be able to continue her dance classes, but is sad that she will not be able to go to school anymore.

Maddison amazes everyone with her positive attitude, spirit, and her strength and resolve to get better. She loves to write songs and do other people’s makeup.  She is a great helper, and her determination to dance makes her mother’s heart smile.

Story by Erin Lylyk