Rugby Star James Lowe Opens Up About Living with Rare Disease
Irish rugby international James Lowe is set to share his personal experience of living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) as he helps launch the I Am Number 17 book, the latest phase of a national campaign to raise awareness of rare conditions in Ireland.
The I Am Number 17 initiative, created by Rare Diseases Ireland, Rare Ireland, and Takeda Ireland, began in February 2024 to highlight the realities of living with a rare disease. The newly launched book features the powerful photographs and stories of 17 changemakers from across Ireland, each living with a rare condition and committed to promoting greater understanding.
James, who, along with his wife Arnica became an Irish citizen earlier this year, knows first-hand the impact of living with a rare disease. Diagnosed with JIA as a child, he is keen to use his voice to help others better understand the condition.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, previously referred to as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation. The condition typically begins before the age of 16 and can cause painful, stiff, and swollen joints, with potential complications affecting organs such as the eyes. Each year, approximately 1 in 10,000 children in Ireland are diagnosed with JIA, making it nearly as common as childhood diabetes.
Speaking about his involvement, James Lowe said:
“Living with JIA has shaped who I am. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others with rare diseases to feel seen, and to help raise awareness so that together we can create more understanding and support across Ireland.”
The I Am Number 17 campaign continues to amplify the voices of people living with rare diseases and calls for greater awareness, research, and support for the 300,000 people across Ireland affected by a rare condition.
