While almost everyone has struggles they deal with on a daily basis, Senior Emily Goldstein battles against juvenile arthritis and Crohn’s disease. While almost everyone has struggles they deal with on a daily basis, Senior Emily Goldstein battles against juvenile arthritis and Crohn’s disease. “I have had juvenile arthritis since I was 3 years old, which causes persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness,” Said Goldstein. “Also, last year I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation of the digestive, or gastrointestinal tract.” What comes along with Crohn’s disease is abdominal pain or tenderness, fever, diarrhea, fatigue and significant weight loss. The symptoms all change per person and the severity of the disease. Symptoms of juvenile arthritis include Joint stiffness, especially in the morning. Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. Limping, Persistent fever, rash, weight loss, fatigue, irritability.“I do have to see doctors often, but it’s become part of my lifestyle,” Said Goldstein. “Thankfully all my doctors are around town and I don’t have to travel too far.”What makes Goldstein remarkable is that even with these setbacks she still seems to flourish and find time to compete in Cross Country. “I’ve been doing XC since Freshman year,” Said Goldstein. “What keeps me going despite my struggles is my motivation. I want to be better than I’ve ever been.” Goldstein is not alone on this journey. She has support coming from all different directions.  “My family is very supportive of me, along with my friends. Especially those of the XC team a year or two ago. They always supported me in whatever way it was, it was nice as an underclassmen with it being my first two years of XC .”“My Junior year was a rough season for my XC running,” Said Goldstein.  It’s my last year, I want to make it the best season I’ve ever had.”  With Crohn’s disease also comes a special diet.  “I eat mostly normal,” said Goldstein “I try to stay away from food like nuts, popcorn, and salad because those have a lot of roughage.” Roughage is a fibrous indigestible material in vegetable foodstuffs that aids the passage of food and waste products through the gut. This can include food like whole grain, wheat, corm, and certain vegetables. “There are foods I should stay away from but sometimes I don’t and it ends up upsetting my stomach,” Goldstein said. High School sports take a lot of time and commitment, battling two disease and juggling XC can be a lot of work to keep up with. “It’s really hard sometimes,” said Goldstein.  “Occasionally I have to miss practice for doctors appointments, or if I’m really not feeling up to practice that day. Although I’m usually pretty normal and attended practice 6 times a week because I am one of the team captains this year.”