Rockdale Magnet School junior Caitlyn Van Heest has distinguished herself in the worlds of academics and athletics. She was a Magnet Science Fair grand champion and interning at Emory University Hospital while competing in cross country, swimming, tennis and track. But now, the 17-year-old is taking on what might be her toughest challenge yet against a chronic autoimmune condition called Sjorgren’s Syndrome – a close cousin of lupus.

It began January when Van Heest had what she believed was an ear infection. She decided to compete in a swim meet against her doctor’s advice because of how close the team was to qualifying for state.

“After the race, I felt like my ear had exploded and the whole side of my face felt like it was on fire,” she said, “then the pain started moving down my face and jaw like a volcano exploding.”

From then into April, VanHeest was shuttled between emergency rooms and admitted to Egleston, Scottish Rite and Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital. A merry-go-round of doctors in multiple fields struggled to diagnose her baffling condition and relieve the excruciating pain.

To this day, she can’t be touched on her right side – even a breeze aggravates the pain – and has unrelenting headaches, difficulty swallowing, and has lost much feeling in her legs. Relearning to walk because she “couldn’t make her legs listen” is one of the toughest things she’s had to do.

Adding to her struggle was some doctors’ tendency to call in a psychiatric evaluation when the puzzle couldn’t be solved.

Van Heest’s mother, Jane, said “I would suggest anyone who comes up against a situation like this be persistent in seeking out a diagnosis. It is like going to war.”

Finally, in Cincinnati last month, they were given the diagnosis of Sjorgen’s Syndrome and learned autoimmune diseases also “evolve.”

Taking advantage of the Family Medical Leave Act, Jane, a Honey Creek Elementary P.E. teacher and mother of four, has been a tireless nurse, researcher and advocate.

One of her roles is managing her daughter’s medication of 40-odd pills a day, including steroids, which cause much swelling, and immunosuppressants.. “Since her case is so uncommon there isn't a standard therapeutic drug protocol,” she said. “It's pretty much trial and error.”

There are several command centers in the VanHeest home. The dining table is strewn with Caitlyn’s schoolwork while the kitchen table is brimming with insurance claims and bills. With the help of her older brother, a homebound teacher, and the Magnet School, Caitlyn has been trying to keep up with her studies.

“She’s so tenacious,” her mother said. “Someone told me out of everyone in the family she’s the one with strength of character to fight through this.” Caitlyn disagreed and joked, “If they had to go through it all and the expense, at least it’s for the kid who wants to be a doctor.”

One bright spot during the ordeal has been the community’s response. From HCE fifth-graders raising $1570 with a Caitlyn-themed spirit week to the upcoming Caitlyn’s Challenge 5K/1 mile Fun Run organized by friends and neighbors, the community has rallied around the VanHeest familiy. “The generosity of our church, Rockdale Baptist, and other churches and the schools has been over-the-top fantastic,” said Jane.

Armed with this support and her indomitable drive, Caitlyn won’t allow this disease to conquer her hopes for the future.

The canine-friendly Caitlyn’s Challenge 5K (8 a.m.) and 1 Mile Fun Run (7:30 a.m.) on June 4 begins at Honey Creek Elementary School. For more information, visit www.caitlynschallenge.com. All proceeds benefit Sjorgren’s Syndrome Foundation and the VanHeest family.