Joy Ross, a speaker and an ardent YouTuber with over 88,000 followers, wants people to know that there’s more than one type of arthritis which isn’t synonymous with old age — and the condition can affect younger people as well.
The mother of two who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at just 3 years old also has uveitis, a form of eye inflammation, which left her with limited vision and, eventually, left her blind.
For Joy, coping with arthritis has come with its fair share of depression, but she manages to use social media platforms like YouTube to help inspire and uplift others. And the response to her channel has been overwhelmingly positive although vlogging is something she never intended to do!
Joy Ross with her two daughters, Giorgianna and Isabella, and her husband, George. (Photo: Courtesy of Courtney Leiva)
Videos on Joy Ross’s channel offers a glimpse into her life through posted videos about her family and her guide dog, Antonia, and how she navigates daily life as a blind woman living with arthritis.
In her conversation with Yahoo Lifestyle, she says “I make videos about my life and how to live through joy. I think people are drawn to the realness of it, as I am not sugarcoating any of my experiences.”
In her interview She shares that the fatigue from arthritis can be both debilitating and overwhelming and simple day-to-day tasks can be very challenging for Ross including choosing daily outfits and styling her hair. However Joy explains that clothing that is easy to put on, such as leggings, boots, and slip-on shoes, and a flat-iron brush for her hair can be lifesavers when her hands are aching.
Sadly, Ross’s two daughters, Giorgianna and Isabella, have inherited juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but Ross hasn’t let this break her spirit as she tries to stay strong for her family, saying that her faith and positive attitude is what makes her a walking example for her own children. Such a Queen!
Joy wants those suffering from the disease to know that everyone can choose joy. She says choosing joy helps give perspective and allows you to make peace with the things you can’t change.
“Joy is a choice,” she says. “We all have our struggles, but it’s important to be mindful of your blessings. When you do that, you start every day with joy.”
Read the full story at Yahoo Lifestyle.