Colorado Family Struggles With Juvenile Arthritis

By Kathy Walsh

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - We commonly think of arthritis as a problem developed as people age, but according to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly 300,000 babies and children in the U.S. are living with some form of the joint disease.

For a family in Centennial, it's been especially tough. Both children were diagnosed at just a year and a half.

"I think my brain kind of wanted to block it out," said Katie Butscher.

The 13-year-old doesn't remember suffering with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) as a toddler. But her mother immediately knew why Katie's knees hurt.

"Redness, warmth to the touch and swelling," said Julie Butscher, Katie's mother.

It was all too familiar and frightening.

"It was one of the hardest things ever," said Julie.

Just two years before, the Butscher's first baby, Ryan, developed the autoimmune disease in his knees and ankles.

"He would have a hard time putting any weight on his feet as he started to walk and would cry when I put on his shoes," explained Julie.

Both Ryan and Katie were treated with the anti-inflammatory, naproxen, then steroids.

"It was hard because everyone would be like crisscross applesauce (sitting with your legs crossed) and I couldn't because it would really hurt," said Katie.

Katie's parents struggled, too.

"People would tell us they didn't believe us. They had never heard of anyone having arthritis as a child," said Julie.

It was several years of a chemotherapy drug, called methotrexate, that finally put the kids' arthritis in remission.

"I hope that will be for the rest of my life'," said Katie.

Andy is a now high school sophomore, playing lacrosse for the first time. Katie is an 8th-grader and enthusiastic baker. Their parents are optimists.

"We're hopeful that there can be a cure and they can live a healthy, happy life," said Julie.

The Butschers will join others on Nov. 3-4 for the Arthritis Foundation annual meeting being held in Denver this year. They are loyal volunteers, hoping to raise money and awareness about juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Kathy Walsh is CBS4's Weekend Anchor and Health Specialist. She has been with CBS4 for more than 30 years. She is always open to story ideas. Follow Kathy on Twitter @WalshCBS4.