Eljhon Concepcion

I am from graveyard shifts and 12 hour work days From a beautiful country across the sea From a time of war, fighting for freedom From taking care of two kids by yourself, Until that war was over From early car rides to school From help with sports From discipline when needed From struggles and perseverance From lessons learned and memories made From having fun, rain or shrine From dealing with grief From loving and caring I am from the people shaped me into the person I am today, my parents.

This is an image of my parents and I after hiking to the end of Ceder Creek Falls about a year ago. This hike was also in the same month, two years prior, that I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). For those that are unaware, RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks itself causing chronic inflammation especially in the major joints. The typical onset of this condition ranges from thirty to sixty years old, so it definitely came as a surprise when the doctors informed me of my diagnosis. Having to deal with this condition forced me to withdraw from sports and other physical activities which was very disheartening for me. Growing up, I always enjoyed playing sports like football and basketball, along with other activities like hiking and snowboarding. The thought of losing the ability to do what I enjoyed the most was a tough pill to swallow. Luckily for me, we tried several different medication and found success in one that reduced the symptoms of my...