www.meredithboyd.com
When most people hear the word arthritis, an image of a frail elderly person comes to mind. But while arthritis is a condition that commonly affects an older population, Meredith Boyd, Mrs. Georgia International 2008, is a public figure that proves juvenile arthritis is a very real, and prevalent condition. The Arthritis Foundation reports that Boyd, now 34, was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 15 and has overcome a variety of physical and emotional obstacles because of the early onset of her condition. Today, she encourages other young people stricken with the illness to prevail.
Though she conquered hurtful comments made by classmates during her teen years when she was forced to wear a leg brace to school, Boyd continues to endure debilitating pain on a monthly basis. Despite this, Boyd isn’t just a pageant queen and she doesn’t let her condition get her down. This spokesperson for the Arthritis Foundation also works as an executive for an Atlanta public relations firm, owns a cosmetic company, models in commercials and taught herself ventriloquism.
While Boyd has undoubtedly spent a lot of time on her own achievements, she has also spent much time improving the lives of others. As an active member of the Arthritis Foundation, Boyd regularly attends fundraising galas and takes part in arthritis walks. She has also served as the keynote speaker for several events, including the Juvenile Arthritis Family Education Day and the Arthritis Foundation Golf Classic and was a member on the board of the Georgia Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation’s Young Professionals.
Click the gallery below to learn more about Boyd.
Meredith Boyd
To look at this beauty, you wouldn't know the shame she felt as a high schooler. "I was mortified by some of the medical procedures [my arthritis required]," she tells "Arthritis Today." Once, when she went to school in a leg brace, she heard people around her gossiping: "Is she crippled? Arthritis? My grandmother has that."
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
How did she deal with the teasing? "I just had to develop a thicker skin," Boyd tells "Arthritis Today."
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Why does she take a stand about juvenile arthritis? "Helping other people takes you out of your own funk. It's pure medicine," she tells "Arthritis Today."
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Boyd isn't just a pretty face for arthritis awareness commercials and events -- she blogs about her passion for getting more funding and research for juvenile arthritis too.
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
Courtesy of Meredith Boyd
