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‘Take That, JDMS!’ says Lovely Bracelet Recipient, Brookelyn who Lives with Juvenile Dermatomyositis

November 12, 2012

Brookelyn is a beautiful, almost seven year old girl who is full of love and life.

Very recently, she was immensely touched to receive her Hope bracelet in the mail. About two and a half years ago, at the age of four, Brookelyn was quickly changing from an independent, stubborn and active girl to one that wanted to be carried, lay down to play or spend hours sleeping during the day.

Her family knew something wasn’t right, and after several doctor’s appointments, they diagnosed her with  Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS).  It’s been a long road, but with physical therapy, high dose steroids, weekly chemotherapy injections and LOTS of trips to the specialist, two hours from their home,  they started seeing signs of the Brookelyn they remembered.  She started walking without crying after every step, she began to get in and out of bed on her own, and she stopped sleeping all day.

Brookelyn’s family knew things were going in the right direction when she began to change her clothes -six or seven outfits a day, and with no pain when raising her arms. Although Brookelyn is still on steroids and chemotherapy medications, she has been discharged from physical therapy and only makes the two hour trip to see her specialist every eight weeks. She is enjoying playing soccer, dancing and acting in plays. She has decided that while she has to accept that she has JDMS, it does not get to rule her life. As her parents have said, “take that, JDMS!”

Way to go, Brookelyn!  May your Hope bracelet continue to put a smile on your face and a reminder to stay strong and keep fighting!

 

 

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