Teenager Park Lentini wouldn't be who you think of when you hear "arthritis." The 16-year-old was diagnosed eight years ago. He's been in and out of hospitals for years. It's still hard for him to walk.
"We always call my speed Parker speed, when I was little Parker speed used to be super fast, but over the years Parker speed has gotten progressively slower now I walk half the speed of my grandma's pace," said Lentini.
Parker is living with the disease, but it's still a struggle. He finds comfort in talking to other teens living with arthritis.
Earlier this month he walked a mile for the Tampa Walk to Cure Arthritis.
"That really showed me that I have people here to support me and people who are here for me," said Lentini.
The Arthritis Foundation estimates 300,000 kids are living with juvenile arthritis. Parkers doctor said joint pain with no explanation is a common symptom.
"It's usually joints that flare up that aren't associated with any injury and you just woke up that way," said Dr. David Siambanes.
About 25-percent of Floridians are living with a form of arthritis. May is Arthritis Awareness Month. If you would like to know more on how to help with the case click here.
