Metro Detroit Teen Fighting for a Cure for Arthritis

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - She looks like a typical teen, but a metro Detroit girl is dealing with a tough disease and fighting to help find a cure.

13-year-old Taylor Gray of Farmington Hills is like many kids her age.  She loves basketball, Justin Bieber and her buddies at Dunckel Middle School. However, years ago at the age of six, she knew she was different.

"I realized I had to go to the [doctor] more than all the other kids, and I was always at the [doctor] and taking medicines every day," she said. "None of my friends had to do that."

Diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis Early, Medication Helps Keep Taylor Moving

In fact, as a toddler Taylor was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

"It's not what your grandma has. It's completely different," she said. "It affects your joints and it makes it harder to move and they swell up."

One of the most common childhood diseases in the U.S., it's estimated 300,000 children live with the pain that comes with juvenile arthritis. Usually it causes unbearable swelling or stiffness of joints.

"I ran one day and the next day I could barely move my ankles," Taylor Gray explained.

It's the medication that keeps Taylor on her toes, literally. Without pills and a powerful IV anti inflammatory pumped into her body every three months, life would be very different.

"If I didn't have the meds, I'd probably be in a wheelchair," she said.

Raising Awareness and Money for a Cure

Taylor and her family have been very active in raising awareness and money for a cure, but they know she is in for quite a battle.

"The hardest part, I think, is just the day to day not knowing what can happen to her," said Kevin Gray, Taylor's father.

As for this tough 13-year-old, she continues to stay strong with her message.

"That kids do get arthritis, too, and we are going to find a cure," said Taylor Gray.

Taylor and her family are going to be at the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis on Saturday, December 3rd in Northville.

2011 Jingle Bell Run/Walk

The Arthritis Foundation fundraiser starts at 9:00 a.m. at Northville Downs Race Track. Click here to sign-up for the event or to get more information »