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With Pain, Some Gains
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Seeking Help on Capitol Hill
Getting help can be hard for some families. Arthritis medications are expensive, and finding a children's physician is not easy. There are fewer than 200 doctors in the United States who specialize in treating kids with arthritis. Virginia, where Eric lives, has three. Maryland has two, and the District and 10 states have none, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Knowing this is partly what brought Eric and other children with arthritis to Capitol Hill to talk to lawmakers and others about getting more funds for research on the disease.
Eric was asked what he planned to say to any senators he met. "I'm gonna be like: I have arthritis. It really affects me. I can't play as much. People laugh at me."
It was a long day as Eric, in a sleek suit and tie, and the others trekked across the marble floors for hours, from one office to another, telling their stories.
By afternoon, pain and fatigue showed on Eric's face. His pace had slowed. His right leg dragged slightly. After his last official stop, he paused in front of a congressman's office and slowly lowered himself to the floor. He rested his head against his mother, Cynthia.
When asked "Do you think it worked? Do you think you got through to anyone today?" he closed his eyes, smiled and nodded silently -- yes.
-- Brenna Maloney
