Coppell sophomore Adaline Arnold stands on the sidelines of a game, moving in between players and equipment as she helps keep everything running smoothly. While her role in sports medicine keeps her on the field, her daily life is shaped by a rare medical condition.
“I have stiff skin syndrome,” Arnold said. “There are only about 50 people in the world with it.”
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, stiff skin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that can cause skin and tissue to tighten. Because the condition is so uncommon, receiving a diagnosis was a long process.
“It became noticeable after the first few months of my life, when everyday things started becoming more difficult and uncomfortable,” Arnold said.
For the first 14 months of Arnold’s life, her family visited specialty doctors and underwent dozens of tests, before a dermatologist familiar with stiff skin syndrome was able to diagnose it.
“The process was exhausting because many doctors did not know what was wrong,” said Mary Arnold, Adaline’s mother, “There was some relief in having a name, but since it is so rare, there were unknowns of what the future would look like.”
Throughout her life, she has attended therapies, treatments and doctor appointments.
“Having a lot of medical and therapy appointments has always been our normal,” Ms. Arnold said. “Sometimes we have to wait over six months to see certain doctors but Adaline, through it all, has remained her joyful, resilient self.”
Even with these challenges, Adaline thinks Coppell High School’s sports medicine program has given her an opportunity to become involved in athletics.
Adaline joined the program after hearing about it during health science class in her freshman year. Before then, she had never heard of sports medicine, but the idea immediately stood out to her.
“I have not been able to play sports, but this gave me a way to stay involved while doing something I am really interested in,” Adaline said.
Sports medicine has now become a place where she could combine her passion for sports and healthcare. Now, Adaline spends her time helping athletes during games and practices.
“There’s a lot of prep that goes into gamedays,” Adaline said. “We have to fill all the waters, make Gatorade, tape people and then help if someone gets injured.”
During games, the work is constant and often needs her staying on her feet and moving on the field.
“There’s a lot of walking, lifting coolers and going back and forth,” Arnold said. “It is kind of hard since I get tired quickly.”
Despite physical demands, the CHS sports medicine program has been accommodating, allowing her to sit when she needs it.
“The coaches in the sports medicine program have welcomed her with open arms,” Ms. Arnold said. “Seeing her be part of two different teams and care for athletes made us beyond proud.”
Adaline’s mom describes her as someone who continues to approach life with positivity despite challenges. She remains full of life and has amazed her family as she faces each new challenge with grit.
Her parents and friends have consistently supported and encouraged her throughout her journey, whether that is sports medicine or navigating her condition.
“My parents have always been my biggest supporters,” Adeline said. “Even when I have doubts or if I am nervous, they push me for the better.”
In the future, Adaline hopes to work with children in healthcare, possibly as a child life specialist.
“Being a patient opened my eyes to healthcare and the work doctors and nurses do,” Arnold said.
Her desire to help others has already extended beyond CHS. Adaline recently started a nonprofit called Joyful Journeys, which organizes toy drives for children at Scottish Rite Hospital.
Through sports medicine and her nonprofit work, Adaline adapts rather than giving up. She encourages others not to let uncertainty stop you from trying something new.
“Just go for it,” Adaline said. “You have to figure out ways to do what you can do.”
