Katharine's Wish

A local 13 year old has won the Jefferson Award for Public Service. Congratulations Katie Rhoten!

Eau Claire (WQOW)- At 13-years-old Katie Rhoten has faced more challenges than most people twice her age.

 

Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 9, and then Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis three years later -- Katie made the decision early on, that disease would not define her.

 

"It started immediately from her hospital bed, which was something to see, it kind of gives me chills," recalls Katie's mother, Kristin Everett. "Thinking about it right now, that she had that insight and that perspective at 9-years-old to say 'Hey, I'm hurting right now and this is really scary but we're going to move forward, we're going to get past this. We can turn it around and do something positive for others.'"

 

Full Story and Video Jefferson Award: Katie Rhoten

If you'd like to help see Katharine's Wish on Facebook or website katharineswish.org