Teenager learns a lot from living with rheumatoid arthritis

All i can say, is watch out when she steps out on the court. Mainly behind that 3-point line. She is a threat out there. Glad to see that she is still playing ball. I can't even imagine the pain. For that she is a inspiration and should be looked up to. Thank you New Center 1 for sharing her story.
Becky


This following story has been seen on New Center 1. The story has been copied off of the http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23359576 Web Site.





Cady Barden is a teenager suffering from the disorder rheumatoid arthritis. The disorder has been eating at the tissue in Barden's joints, causing the teenager to give up some of the sports that she loves.
Cady Barden suffers from rheumatoid arthritis which causes her tissues in her joints to deteriorate at a young age.
Physically, she has had to change her ways, she has quit volleyball and track, but battles through the pain with softball and basketball.


Cady Barden, Suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis"I love playing sports, I have since I was six years old. I wouldn't really know what else to do if I didn't."
For Barden's parents, they were worried about their daughter's body and the physical pain, but also about her well-being. But Barden still finds ways to stay involved. "Oh yea, I've been coaching elementary girls in softball and basketball as well."


Barden's parents say that they use to look at Cady and think about future scholarships. They judged success from winning or losing, but their daughter has changed their perspective.


"We didn't know if as a senior she'd even be able to play and she's able to, she's contributing and to us that's the new definition of success."


The strong willed teenager has learned a lot from this disease too."Not taking things for granted. I guess you know everybody always told me well it'll go by so fast, with this, I've definitely been able to realize to enjoy it while I can."


The senior has even taught her parents a lesson or two about life in general. "Well her mom and dad don't complain as much anymore. We don't have that much to complain about. She gets up every morning and she goes and we're just really proud of her."