{"id":19926,"date":"2025-10-02T16:05:29","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T06:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arthritisaustralia.com.au\/?p=19926"},"modified":"2025-10-02T16:25:15","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T06:25:15","slug":"run-for-stella","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/old.arthritisaustralia.org.au\/wordpress\/run-for-stella\/","title":{"rendered":"Run for Stella"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Stella\u2019s story is one marked by extraordinary resilience and hope.<\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>

Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – later identified as rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-at age 15 during Year 9, she endured a long, uncertain year before answers finally arrived.<\/span><\/p>

It began with achy fingers and relentless fatigue, which her family initially blamed on \u201cchill <\/span>blaines<\/span>\u201d from the winter cold. But as pain crept from her hands and wrists to smaller joints, it became clear there was something more concerning going on. <\/span><\/p>

Stella\u2019s journey to a diagnosis was anything but straightforward.<\/strong> She missed most of Years 8 and 9, as her family pursued every possible avenue-before finally reaching a pivotal appointment at Monash in February.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Picture: Sam and Stella Dennis<\/em><\/samp><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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It was there that the diagnosis provided clarity, yet it also ushered in a new chapter of challenges. Treatments meant countless blood tests, infusions, and injections, turning Stella into what she describes as a \u201cpin cushion.\u201d<\/strong> Still, even with the best care, her arthritis would not be tamed. An eventual diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis brought new medications along with a definite path for managing her arthritis.<\/span><\/p>

Despite these ongoing hurdles, Stella\u2019s quiet perseverance stands as a beacon to the many young people navigating childhood arthritis. Her courage, grit, and determination are at the heart of \u201cRun for Stella\u201d.<\/strong> Stella\u2019s brother Sam will be running 150 kms from \u2018The Tan\u2019 track in Melbourne CBD to Warragul to raise awareness for arthritis, to support essential research, shine a spotlight on the reality of juvenile arthritis and to celebrate Stella\u2019s indomitable spirit.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Stella is not alone, there are an estimated 31,000 children and young adults living with arthritis and arthritis impacts over 4 million Australians that deserve better care. <\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>

By supporting or volunteering with Arthritis Australia for events like \u201cRun for Stella\u201d, Australians can help change the story for families like Stella\u2019s. Every act of support builds a more understanding community and drives crucial progress for young people living bravely with arthritis.<\/span><\/p>

There are several meaningful ways to support \u201cRun for Stella\u201d and make a difference for young people living with arthritis:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>