James C, age 8

Photograph by Kiere Lee (2022)

James always sees the bright side of every situation. He is an outgoing young man and always has a story to tell. He is kind and a wonderful friend to others. Even after his rare diagnosis of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) last year, he has been able to see the silver lining through the most challenging of moments. Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an autoimmune disease in children that causes skin rash and muscle inflammation which results in weak muscles.

James’ mom is inspired by his bravery and says he has a wonderful and fun personality. “He is able to see good in all things—like when he told me he was happy to meet so many incredible people during an extended hospital stay,” she says. “These are the moments that really take your breath away as a parent.”

James has experienced numerous medical treatments and now uses a wheelchair, but he is also gaining new experiences. He loves playing wheelchair basketball with his team, the Roger C. Peace Rollin’ Tigers, and learning Tae Kwon Do. His coaches and teammates have played a key role in his recovery. James works hard to turn the significant changes in his lifestyle into positive things.
 

James siempre ve el lado bueno de cada situación. Es un joven extrovertido y siempre tiene una historia que contar. Es amable y un maravilloso amigo de los demás. Incluso después de que se le diagnosticara una dermatomiositis juvenil el año pasado, ha sido capaz de ver el lado positivo en los momentos más difíciles. La dermatomiositis juvenil (DMJ) es una enfermedad autoinmune que afecta a los niños y que provoca erupciones cutáneas e inflamaciones musculares que debilitan los músculos.

La madre de James se siente inspirada por su valentía y dice que tiene una personalidad maravillosa y divertida. “Es capaz de ver el bien en todas las cosas, como cuando me dijo que se alegraba de conocer tan muchas personas increíbles durante una estancia prolongada en el hospital”, dice. “Estos son los momentos que realmente te dejan sin aliento como padre”.

James ha experimentado numerosos tratamientos médicos y ahora utiliza una silla de ruedas, pero también está adquiriendo nuevas experiencias. Le encanta jugar al baloncesto en silla de ruedas con su equipo, los Roger C. Peace Rollin’ Tigers, y aprender Tae Kwon Do. Sus entrenadores y compañeros de equipo han desempeñado un papel fundamental en su recuperación. James se esfuerza por convertir los cambios significativos en su estilo de vida en cosas positivas.

Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.