McAllen Boy Diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis Seeks Help

A family in the city of McAllen spoke to FOX 2 about their struggles in the past year since their son was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

Yanhira Ramirez, Emiliano’s Mother, said, “One day they called me from his school to say Emiliano had a broken or twisted ankle and for me to go get him.”

After doctor visits, they discovered her 10-year-old son was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis in his spine.

Yanhira Ramirez, Emiliano’s Mother, said, “The arthritis builds up in the spine and it affects what is the hips, knees and ankles. He suffers from pains, inflammations, sometimes high fevers that will not go down and low immune system.”

Meliton Ramirez, Emiliano’s Grandfather, said, “It hurts us so much to see when he cannot stand up.”

Despite his circumstances, 11-year-old Emiliano Ramirez believes life is a precious jewel we should take care of.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, almost 300,000 children suffer from Juvenile Arthritis in the United States.

Emiliano Ramirez, Diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis, said, “Very hard, it’s been very hard….’cause I have to take these shots…every two weeks”

Yanhira tells FOX 2 Emiliano does not lose hope to one day play sports with siblings and friends.

She said, “He is a positive kid, so so positive, he encourages me to move forward because we have found ourselves in very difficult times.”

Without health insurance, the Ramirez Family is trying to raise funds and raise awareness through a Walk-a-thon and Zumbathon event this coming Saturday, December 1st. For more information, call them to 802-6838.

Jessica Solis, FOX 2 News