Playing ringette despite arthritis

Rafaëlle Boisvert

When you meet 8-year-old Rafaëlle Boisvert, you have no clue she has been battling with arthritis for the past 4 years.

You won’t hear a peep about the pain afflicting over 15 of her joints.
What you see is an active and determined child, constantly pushing her limits.
This ringette enthusiast enjoys fast-paced activities.

Even with what looks like a contortioned left hand, there isn’t much she can’t do. She will always find a way to play for her team.

For an active adult, a day filled with injections, blood samples or physical treatments can prove exhausting. But for this young Pincourt resident, after a day like that she is just itching to jump on her backyard rink and practice the sport she deeply loves.

Yet, the most incredible thing about her remains her positive outlook and infectious attitude.

“She’s an absolute sunbeam“, confides her mother.

Which helps her branch out a lot and make new friends.

Last year, during her first Walk for Arthritis in Montreal, she befriended a girl her age living with similar conditions and they instantly bonded. It was a magical moment.

“The Walk is like Christmas morning”, exclaims the 8-year-old when asked about her experience.

Knowing her new friend went through what she was facing was the boost of confidence needed to get the dreaded injections she had been avoiding.