NORMAN - Kayla Munkres is a talkative, energetic redhead who loves horses, likes to ride her bike and enjoys gardening. She even has dreams of being in the Olympics one day.
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On the surface, Kayla, 9, seems to lead the life of an average second-grader.
What sets her apart is the daily struggle she endures to live an active life.
"I feel different sometimes, but most of the time I feel normal, Kayla said.
At age 5, Kayla was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. As this year's Norman Arthritis Walk honoree, Kayla will lead the pack when the walk begins at 10 a.m. today at the University of Oklahoma's North Oval.
Kayla doesn't hesitate when asked to explain her condition and how it affects her daily life.
"It's a white blood cell disease, and it can really hurt your feet after walking a while, she said. "The white blood cells are confused, and the medicine tells them what to do.
The effects of the disease mean difficult days about twice every three months for Kayla.
"My ankles are swollen, sometimes they are about the size of a peach, she said, making a large circle with her fingers around her tiny ankle. "I just lay down and sleep or read books.
To control the bad days, Kayla gets a shot once a week - the lesser of two evils when it comes to her treatment.
"It's kind of hard getting shots, but it's better than taking the medication, she said.
In addition to arthritis, Kayla suffers from a recurring hearing problem that requires multiple surgeries to maintain her hearing. In her nine years, she has had 14 surgical procedures.
Kayla's mother, Terri Munkres, said Kayla's health problems have meant lifestyle changes for the entire family.
Her mother runs a home day care now so she can be there for Kayla during the hard days. Kayla's father, Jim, went back to school to work on a master's degree in business, and 11-year-old David has learned to slow down and be patient with his younger sister.
"We've just been learning a lot, Terri Munkres said. "We do all she can on her good days, and we do what we can on her difficult days. So far, the good days outnumber her difficult days.
Kayla has participated in two arthritis walks, but she's especially looking forward to today's event. She said the one-mile walk will be easy if she wears comfortable shoes.
"I'm kind of excited about it because some of the teachers in my school are going to be walking, Kayla said. "So is my brother and my mom and dad.
Students and teachers at Madison Elementary School helped Kayla raise almost $300 for the Arthritis Foundation.
Kayla hopes the contributions and her participation in the walk will improve the quality of life for people like herself.
Norman resident Keli Tarp knows what Kayla is going through. Tarp was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 6.
"Thank goodness Kayla has more options to treat her disease than I did 34 years ago, Tarp said.
"It's a terribly painful, debilitating disease, she said. "No one should have to live with such pain, especially not a child.
Walk informationWhat: Norman Arthritis Walk
When: 10 a.m. today
Where: University of Oklahoma North Oval
For more information, go to www.normanarthritiswalk.kintera.org
