World Arthritis Day 2024: Meet Izzy

Meet Camper Izzy

12th October is World Arthritis Day!  

We’ve caught up with 12-year-old Izzy, who experienced the magic of Over The Wall Camp after being diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). 

A view of Izzy on the climbing wall. The camera is at the top of the wall and Izzy is smiling up at it with a hard hat on and facepaint

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?

 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system, which usually fights infection, mistakenly attacks the joints, causing arthritis. 

JIA varies between each child. It can affect joints, muscles and tendons, and can also affect the general health of the child (high temperatures, rashes, poor appetite, weight loss) making the child ‘systemically’ poorly. JIA is a condition that fluctuates, so children will have periods of ‘active disease’ followed by periods when the condition is less active.  

Between 10 to 20% of children and young people with JIA also develop inflammation of the eye. The reason the immune system does this still isn’t fully understood. 

Treatment for JIA aims to control the symptoms and reduce the likelihood of permanent joint damage so that the child or young person can enjoy an active life (and avoid the need for joint replacements). Treatment often includes different medications (tablets and/or injections), alongside physiotherapy.  

Meet Izzy

Izzy’s passion is dancing; she started going to dance school when she was just 3 years old. She’s always loved making friends and spending time with people. And Izzy’s fellow campers and the volunteers certainly loved spending time with her too! Izzy is bright, bubbly and full of fun! 

Worrying that Izzy’s dance journey was over

When Izzy was just 10 years old, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). For nine months while she was going through tests, appointments and waiting for a diagnosis, Izzy wasn’t able to dance. 

Her mum, Laura, told us “It felt like a light had turned out for all of us. The constant music playing and dancing around the house stopped. She spent days sat on the sofa in constant pain, feeling incredibly down and frustrated.” 

As well as the pain affecting Izzy, so was the uncertainty of what the condition meant for her, as Laura explained:  

“We didn’t know what the future would be like for her and honestly believed her dance journey was over forever. Although the team at her dance school stayed in contact and tried to support her the best way they could it had a very negative impact on her mental health. I felt like I had lost a part of my little girl.”

Izzy’s first time away from home

After seeing Over The Wall Camp on Children in Need, Laura started to think about sending Izzy to experience it for herself. Although she was anxious about the thought of Izzy going away for a week, Laura decided to apply for a place at camp. 

“I was anxious. Izzy wasn’t allowed to go on her Year 6 residential with school as they didn’t feel comfortable supporting her through the activities. It was the first time she had stayed away from home.” 

Stepping into the camp bubble

Izzy was anxious too, and looking back on her arrival at camp, she explained “I was shy and nervous to begin with, but the volunteers brought me out of my shell straight away. I soon became the chatterbox I’m known for.” 

Thinking about the other campers, Izzy said she loved meeting new friends and getting to share a room with them for the week. When it came to the activities, she told us “The activities were awesome and so much fun. My favourite memory was reaching the top of the climbing wall. It felt incredible!” 

How camp made Izzy feel

Izzy has joined us for two residential camps and both times she threw herself into the mischief and magic. We loved hearing about the impact Over The Wall Camp has had on her. She proudly told us “Camp made me feel really happy because I got to do things I wouldn’t normally be able to do. It made me feel stronger and braver, like I can do anything.” 

Camp has also given Izzy the confidence to talk about her arthritis… “I’m proud I started to open up about my arthritis. I have always found it difficult to talk about, but cabin chats at camp made me realise everyone has a personal struggle and we should be proud of who we are.” 

Seeing Izzy glowing after camp

As soon as Izzy got home from camp, Laura saw a difference in her. She told us “Izzy could not stop smiling and laughing when she told us her camp stories. Talking about her new friends was the first thing she told us and they are still in contact today.” 

“The impact camp had on Izzy was astronomical… Her mental health is glowing and the house is filled with music and pirouettes again.”

We were thrilled to hear that Izzy has started dancing again and she’s had some outstanding results in her dance exams! She also takes part in local amateur dramatic shows and recently had a successful audition for her first named role (mouthy the miner in Snow White!).  

“The impact camp had on Izzy was astronomical... Her mental health is glowing and the house is filled with music and pirouettes again.”
Laura
Izzy's mum

How Izzy is using her camp experience

Laura explained that camp has also helped Izzy to support others.  

“When she started secondary school there was a child with Tourette Syndrome. After spending the week at camp with someone with Tourette Syndrome, she knew from watching how the camp team supported them what she could do to help them through those first few weeks. And over a year later they have a wonderful bond.” 

“Izzy is the first to really take time to listen and appreciate how we are all different and that is what makes us all wonderfully unique.” 

Laura’s advice to other parents considering camp

“Absolutely go for it! Although anxious, I was sure she would have a great time. The team not only made sure they were all happy and safe, but they also taught them so many coping mechanisms to bring home into their everyday lives.” 

Describing the first time she sent Izzy to camp, Laura simply said “It was the best decision of my life.” 

Being part of the Over The Wall Camp family...

Rounding up their journey with Over The Wall Camp, Laura shared what the charity means to her and Izzy: 

“It’s so hard to watch your young ones struggling. We were incredibly lucky to have such a great support network from the dance school but the whole team at Over The Wall Camp, from enrolment to pick up are superheroes.” 

Everyone at Over The Wall Camp got a warm, fuzzy feeling when Laura told us “Our world became a much brighter place since we met you and we will always be eternally grateful for you all.”