Emma Johnson, a five-year-old girl from Fredonia battling Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, was selected as the Youth Honoree of the 2023 Walk to Cure Arthritis, Aug. 19 at Delaware Park in Buffalo.

Emma and her mother, Sarah Corey, went to the Walk to Cure Arthritis last year, but this year will be even more special, as Emma will be highlighted before the crowd filled with supporters to raise awareness for all forms of arthritis.

“They have everyone come together, similar to the Ride for Roswell, to raise awareness for arthritis,” Corey said. “It’s all about awareness. … Adult and kids are blended together as one event. It’s really neat.”

Emma was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – the pediatric form of Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis – two years ago at age three.

Submitted Photo Pictured is the flyer to promote the Walk to Cure Arthritis, Aug. 19 in Buffalo.

“She’s one of the only ones to have it in our area,” Corey said. “It’s not as common as people would think.”

Since her diagnosis two years ago, Emma’s condition has progressed throughout her body. She has undergone various treatments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and many different medications. She also receives monthly injections at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. However, the treatments sometimes take months to show results, and her pain remains a daily hurdle.

“(Emma) fights through pain and discomfort every day with a smile,” Corey said.

As a Fredonia Elementary School student, Emma has been forced to miss many days of school because of her condition, as well as other activities like birthday parties or even playing with her friends whenever her joint pain becomes too much to endure.

“We try our best to make the best of it,” Corey said. “She works very hard at school and life.”

In addition to trying different treatments, Emma and her family are visiting Georgia later this month for an event put by a Juvenile National Hospice center in Atlanta, where children with the same condition and their families are connected with doctors and experts, in addition to each other.

“It connects other families and lets them know they are not alone,” Corey said. “We’re very excited about that.”

To donate or register for the Walk to Cure Arthritis, visit walktocurearthritis.org/buffalo