2016 Speak Now For Kids Family Advocacy Day Hero: Miles

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at just 3 years of age, Miles had limited mobility and lived in endless pain. On the worst days, he would have to use a wheelchair at school. Despite this, he was always brave and upbeat. Widely considered an “older person’s disease” rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 17.

Local specialists were not gaining ground against Miles’s condition and he was experiencing a lot of pain in his hips, leg joints, wrists and elbows. That’s when his parents turned to the team at Children’s of Alabama. It prescribed a treatment regimen and monitored him quarterly with check-ups. From the beginning, Miles loved to see Dr. Matthew Stoll, his rheumatologist, whom he described as really smart and nice.

As a result, Miles’ condition has improved greatly. He is very proud, for example, that he is now able to bend his wrist back, a simple gesture that would have been impossible just two years ago. In fact, the joint damage has been stopped in its tracks and his regimen seems to be controlling inflammation.

Today, Miles is a very active 7-year-old who loves to play soccer and football, enjoy the outdoors and battle imaginary ninjas.