Mitchell is 12 years old and he has systemic juvenile arthritis. He was diagnosed at 5 years old. Mitchell takes shots every week and travels about an hour away to get treatment at a children’s hospital. He wants others to realize that he just wants to be a typical kid and doesn’t want others to treat him any differently just because he lives with chronic illness.

Mitchell is especially grateful that having systemic juvenile arthritis has allowed him to attend “Camp Boggy Creek: A Serious Fun Camp” for kids who have serious diseases. He loves doing arts and crafts most at camp. His advice to other kids: try and go to camp so that they can meet other kids and just “have fun.”

Mitchell is a straight “A” student. He enjoys swimming, vacationing, playing video games, and watching YouTube. He loves talking with his infusion nurses about video games and joking around with them.

Mitchell tries to help others in the arthritis community by fundraising through the Arthritis Foundation’s “Walk to Cure Arthritis.” His family has raised money through their local Sam’s Club and hosted a food truck rally to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. He and his brother also manned a station at the Purple Playas Foundation’s Golf Tournament.

Mitchell is a shining example of living life fully and joyfully no matter the hurdles.

Do you know an amazing kid with chronic illness who gives back to the community? Nominate them at ppf@purpleplayasfoundation.com