Jayda Warehime

Jayda Warehime – Colorado
Nomination & Photography by Carol Dunnigan Photography
Issue 78 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Jayda is truly an Inspiring Teen! She's a Freshmen and a new Rep for me, but I can already tell that she's special - she's caring and has a great sense of humor. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, accompanied by Chronic Uveitis, when she was only 18 months old. This is an autoimmune disease that has manifested as joint pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. In her lifetime she's already had 388 infusions, 537 chemo injections, 974 needle pokes, 464 Childrens visits, and 5 birthdays in Childrens Hospital! This girl plays basketball and is in Track!

Photography by Carol Dunnigan Photography

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
At the age of 5, I started an organization called Jayda's Elves. For 10 years I have collected coloring books, crayons, puzzles, art projects etc.- all to be delivered to Children's Hospital in the hopes it calms the patients while they are receiving medical care, and they don't have to think about the medicine running through their bodies.
I have raised over $10,000 for the Arthritis Foundation to help fund research, community outreach, advocacy efforts and life improving programs.

What else would you like to talk about?
To this day, I have to go to Children's Hospital every 4-6 weeks for infusions. I just entered my freshman year of high school and am a 3-sport athlete. I love sports and being active, but this can take a serious toll on my body not to mention my mental health trying to fit it all in. I am very lucky to have parents who support me in every way possible. I would not be the student, athlete, friend, patient, or human without their constant guidance. I live by "I have arthritis, but arthritis does not have me."

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am very passionate about giving back. Through my experience with my disease, I have learned that everyone has a story. That story cannot always be seen. It is important to always be kind. Treat others with decency and respect. I enjoy volunteering for our local food bank-making boxes for senior citizens and bagging after school food bags for school age children. My love for the outdoors has taken me to trash pickups along Colorado's most beautiful trails. I believe we all can make a difference, one kind act at a time.

How did you find your photographer, Carol Dunnigan Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
We followed each other on Instagram. I admired her work. With just my one session, she made it special, and I was able to see her creativity and fun personality. The photos were better than I could have imagined, and I was shocked to see myself in such a beautiful way. My favorite thing about my shoot was how we were able to be silly, have a great time and have such amazing results that I am so proud of. I am super excited for my future relationship with such an amazing woman.

Tell us about Rheumatoid Arthritis accompanied with Chronic Uveitis and how it affects you personally.
This arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. For me, this disease has caused persistent joint pain, stiffness and swelling in my lower extremities-hips, knees, and ankles. This is something I have lived with since I was 18 months old. There is no cure, the goal is to control the pain and inflammation, improving function, and preventing joint damage. Chronic uveitis is inflammation in the eyes. This can lead to blurry vision and blindness if not treated. This affects me personally by having difficulties performing everyday chores, experiencing high levels of stress. Mornings are the most difficult as that is when my body is the stiffest. It can be a challenge when my mind wants to do one thing and my body is saying “whoa, slow it down, Jayda.”

What do you wish others knew about interacting with you or anyone else who has this?
I wish others knew that just because this disease cannot be seen, does not mean it is not real. If I am unable to participate in an activity, it is not because I am lazy, grumpy or not engaged, I am physically hurting to the point I cannot join the event. I wish others knew how hard it is to be in pain every day. How much this disease dictates what I do and for how long I can do it.

What impact has having this played on your skill levels and mental well being?
This has had a significant impact on my abilities and mental wellbeing. I am a 3-sport athlete, I sure give it my all every time I am on the court or field but I have limitations. My body does not move like an average teen, I have to make adjustments which affects my game. This also affects my mental wellbeing by not being able to do what I want to do, how I want to do it. I have learned my way is ok. Being able to participate is a win. I have learned that nothing is impossible, and I should never give up and always keep reaching. This is where true grit comes from.

Tell us about your basketball career.
I started basketball in kindergarten. I have played every year for 10 years now. Basketball is by far my favorite sport; it is my favorite to play and watch. My love for the game shows on the court through my personality. As I have gotten older, the seasons have gotten longer, practices and games more intense, and expectations have increased. This can sometimes be a challenge, but I wake up and show up every day. I am proud of myself for pushing through and earning a varsity letter as a freshman.

What position do you play and how does it suit you?
My position is a wing. The wing positions are shooting guard and small forward. This suits me as you should be able to make open jump shots with consistency while also being able to sprint around screens to open spots on the floor. You also should be able to create your own shots by driving the ball. You should have a good balance of size and strength, another reason this position suits me.

Are you watching women's college basketball this year and especially the road to the final 4 and so on? If so, what are you taking away from this season and everything that has come forward for college players and women in the sport in general?
I am absolutely watching this season and taking in so much. From passing techniques, defensive moves, and shooting. I am also closely watching the attitudes of the players on the court. How are they handling a bad call? A loss? How are they treating their teammates? This is just as important. Especially for the younger children watching. I do feel this is an exciting time for women’s basketball. Watching Caitlin Clark break record after record has been amazing to witness. For the first time, women’s basketball is selling out tickets, breaking viewing records and has fans from all over the country. I am so glad I get to watch all this happen.

What do you participate in track, and which is your favorite and why?
In track, I am on the varsity throwing team. My favorite is shotput and discuss. This is perfect for me as it gives my lower extremities a much-needed break. These events are extremely fun for me, and I like challenging myself to see how much I can improve week after week. My goal is to make it to state as a freshman.

What is one of your proudest track moments?
My proudest track moments are being able to break my own records. I am improving every week. That is exciting. High school sports can be a challenge when freshman compete against all upper classmen. When I can finish in the top 8 with over 80 participants, I could not be prouder.

What is a favorite memory with your track team?
The season just started, and this is my first season on the high school team. So far, my favorite memory is the ability to be silly. Track is usually an 8-hour day, but it is a very relaxed chill setting. Always fun to hang out with the team and be our childish selves.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have had to accomplish is realizing my disease is not a death sentence. Yes, I have limitations, but I am very much a highly functioning accomplished teen. No way possible for me to be where I am today without the support of family and friends. I have an amazing support system.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always believe you got this. God knows what he is doing and never gives us more than we can handle. Mountains were made to be climbed.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I should be a sophomore in college earning a degree in physical therapy. I would love to be able to help children with the same disease and limitations I face. My physical therapist helped me be the athlete I am today.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love photography. Editing and thinking outside the box is my favorite.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am a good drawer. I was hesitant to take an art class this year, but I am so glad I did. I was able to see how creative I can be.

3 Things on your bucket list Visit:
I love to travel so my bucket list is to visit places I have never been like Paris, New Zealand, and Ireland.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my beautiful mom inspiring. Not only to me, but my friends, her coworkers, family, and family friends all call her Mama Rhonda. She is always available when someone needs an ear, advice or even a hug. My mom works extremely hard. Works to keep our home in order. Works to make sure all my medical, emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual needs are met. Volunteers 20-30 hours a month for different organizations. She also works her demanding 40-hour week job. She does all of this with a smile on her face and a dance in her step. She is such a positive person, she gets super involved in school and community events, and she doesn’t know a stranger. To watch her care for others, friends or strangers is truly inspiring. She makes a difference in other people’s world every single day. She is constantly encouraging me to reach for the stars and maximize my fullest potential. She is raising me to become a thriving successful young woman. I am proud and honored that she is my mom and I inspire to be just like her.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
This is a great question. I did not think I was inspiring. I am just trying to be me and do the right thing for others. It was brought to my attention by others why they feel I am inspiring to them. After hearing their versions, I do see it now. I always give 110% of everything I take on. I do not believe in giving up or using my disease as an excuse to not be my best. I get up, look up, and show up. I know God has my back. I believe everyone has a story and we should treat people with kindness. A simple hello, have a great day can make the difference for someone. I do well in school, have great relationships with staff and students, I have confidence, easy to talk to, and friendly. I also enjoy giving back every chance I get.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am very proud of the work I put in for my 1st year of high school and that I will leave my freshman year with 4 varsity letters and good grades. It has been a very successful year.

Look for Jayda in issue 78 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 78

click here to nominate an inspiring teen