When Makaylah Ledet was just two years old, her parents noticed she was walking with a limp. At first, they believed she had fallen and hurt herself, but upon closer inspection, they saw that Makaylah’s toe and ankle were also swollen, prompting them to seek medical guidance.
“Our pediatrician sent us to an orthopedic specialist for more testing and several more rounds of x-rays. After several months with the orthopedic specialist, we were referred to a pediatric rheumatologist who immediately diagnosed Makaylah with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Our doctor explained that ‘polyarticular’ means that Makaylah’s arthritis affects five or more joints. At the time she was diagnosed, Makaylah had both knees, both ankles, and one toe affected,” says Michelle Ledet, Makaylah’s mom.
A DIAGNOSIS
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Michelle recalls the relief of finally having a diagnosis. “Receiving a diagnosis meant we could finally get the help Makaylah needed so desperately. We just wanted our daughter to be able to feel better,” she says.
In the beginning, managing Makaylah’s Juvenile Arthritis was challenging due to her pain, medications, blood work, specialist appointments, and the need to educate themselves about a disease they had never heard of.
“It was very hard in the beginning to manage Makaylah’s pain because she was so little. It was difficult for us to get her to understand what was going on. Another challenge we faced was educating ourselves on a disease we had never heard of. It was very difficult to find relevant information about juvenile arthritis. I made it a mission of mine to try to learn as much as I possibly could to try and help Makaylah. It was a huge relief for us when we found the Arthritis Foundation. We were able to find accurate information and a support system to help us through this difficult time,” Michelle explains.
A SUPPORT SYSTEM
Michelle is grateful for the support they have received from family and friends and even the staff at Makaylah’s school.
“Her school has been very accommodating with anything her doctors or we recommend to help Makaylah. We are very thankful to have a great support system for her at school. We have found a great support system in each other, our families, and in the Arthritis Foundation. We are extremely thankful for everyone who cares about and supports Makaylah. It truly means the world to us,” she says.
Makaylah is currently thriving in a dance class that she absolutely loves. Dancing not only brings her joy but also helps strengthen her muscles and promote healthy joint movement. Currently, she isn’t experiencing any active inflammation at this time.
ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS
Spreading awareness is important to the Ledets. As a family, they participate in the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run. Makaylah has also joined her father, a hospital executive chef, in cooking demonstrations that showcase healthy, anti-inflammatory recipes.
Through their efforts, they hope to support other arthritis warriors and show that, with time, things will get easier.
Michelle explains, “It is extremely difficult in the beginning, but it does get easier with time, patience, and knowledge. You will fall into a new ‘normal,’ and after a while, medications, appointments, and advocacy will become part of your routine. Blood work and shots won’t seem as scary, and you’ll see just how incredibly strong your child is—they become unstoppable! It is so important to be an advocate for your child. You need to be their voice, spread awareness, and ensure they receive the care they deserve.”
If you’re looking to get involved, Louisiana’s Walk to Cure Arthritis will be held on May 3, 2025 at Pointe-Marie in Baton Rouge. For more information, visit events.arthristis.org.
