My name is Tarah and I will be 11 in February. I found out I have arthritis and JDM when I was 7 years old. The worst part for me was when I had my muscle byopsy done. I couldn't run or swing and when they took out the stitches it hurt really bad. I have to have infusions every month and I hate doing that! It makes me sick. I do LOVE going to Camp Joint Venture every summer. It is so much fun to be with other people my age who are like me. We play and have a great time. I love my dog. His name is Richard. We adopted him from the Humane Society. He jumps like a deer and he loves to fetch sticks or rocks. He even puts his head under water to get rocks when we are camping at the lake. I also love to draw and paint. I mostly draw and paint horses, dogs, and other animals. I hate JDM and I hope that they will find a cure one day. I am taking different medicines and I get tired of taking them, but I know it is to help me get better. I have a website if you would like to visit it and leave me a message I would love to hear from you. www.caringbridge.org/visit/tarahthompson.