When Chagrin Falls resident Greyson Chess turned 8 last summer, he didn’t ask for ordinary birthday presents. Instead, he wanted family and friends to put their money into the Arthritis Foundation’s efforts to conquer arthritis.
That might not be surprising from a kid who has fought this life-altering disease for four years and aspires to become a doctor who treats the condition that has plagued him and his family.
Doctors diagnosed Greyson with juvenile arthritis, which affects his eyes, knees and ankles. “I feel pretty lucky,” he says. “Many kids have it worse than me.”
Despite his joints hurting a lot when he’s active, playing soccer and lacrosse or enjoying skiing and snowboarding, Greyson doesn’t complain. “If I’m being honest, I’ll tell you that arthritis is horrible, and you don’t want to get it. But it doesn’t stop me from having fun. I know I have this challenge because I can handle it.”
Besides participating in sports, Greyson is learning to play the drums and loves to draw, especially monsters. “I won’t let arthritis slow me down,” says Greyson. “It has made me tough, as my parents tell me every day.”
Last year, Greyson was the youth honoree for the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run in Cleveland, leading Greyson’s Superheroes team to raise almost $9,000.
The Chess family is grateful for the Arthritis Foundation’s support, which has helped them understand arthritis, what to expect and how to deal with it. They’ve found a community of support and resources they wouldn’t have otherwise.
“I couldn’t do this on my own,” Greyson says. “It’s nice to know I don’t have to.”
