It’s a disease most young people never have to experience.
But for Rebecca Rothwell, 19, rheumatoid arthritis is an everyday occurrence.
“[The pain] is sort of always at the back of my mind,” the Wilde Lake High School graduate said. “Little things, like brushing my teeth. I have to use an electric toothbrush. Opening things. It’s little things every day that I have to watch for.”
» To donate to rheumatoid arthritis research and development, visit www.ucb.com
Rothwell, a sophomore studying biostatistics and math at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was first diagnosed last year. She went through two carpal tunnel surgeries before doctors realized she had rheumatoid arthritis. “It’s in my wrists, hands and fingers. I noticed it a lot when I was writing, and I also played volleyball, which was pretty intense on my wrists. After my second surgery, [when the pain didn’t go away,] that’s when they sort of got suspicious,” she said.
Luckily, some goodwill come out of Rothwell’s struggles. She is one of 10 rheumatoid arthritis-affected students that was awarded the UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Scholarship, a one-time $10,000 grant. UCB is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops treatments for inflammatory diseases.
“The UCB Rheumatoid Arthritis Scholarship reflects our company’s commitment to provide patients and their families with resources to help them reach beyond the boundaries of their disease,” said David Robinson, vice president and general manager at UCB. “It is our goal that this scholarship program will enable the winners to further their education and enjoy the benefits that this accomplishment will offer.”
Although she had to quit volleyball in order to manage her RA, Rothwell hasn’t let the disease stop her from helping others. She is a volunteer with the Appalachia Service Project, a nonprofit organization that provides free emergency home repair for families in need in the Appalachia region. Rothwell spent her entire summer in physical construction work, helping repair 15 homes.
“RA is not going to ruin your life,” Rothwell said. “It’s not a very publicized disease, but there are other young people out there [with RA.] You aren’t alone in it.”
