It’s no secret that being a racecar driver is no easy feat. It not only involves navigating a world of sponsors and competition but also being able to maintain the fitness drivers require to sustain impeccable form throughout a race. But if you add a condition like Rheumatoid Arthritis to the mix, one can only imagine how difficult it could be! But for Natalie Decker, that reality is more than just imagination, and while it has indeed been difficult, Decker is not one to let go of her dreams so easily.

From the tender age of 2, Decker’s struggles with RA have added a whole new layer of difficulty to achieving glory in NASCAR. But the 26-year-old continues to push the boundaries of what her pediatrician thought would be impossible. Although her disease had entered remission, owing to her constant involvement in physical sports, the pain returned significantly worse a little over two years ago. And now that we are entering the 2024 season, Decker took to X to provide her adoring community with a detailed update on her condition.

Natalie Decker has been battling a health issue since 1999

For those unaware of the severity that Rheumatoid Arthritis entails, let’s first understand just how the disease works. While the exact cause of the disease remains unclear, it’s believed to come from an onset of genetic and environmental factors. And how the auto-immune disease limits a person’s lifestyle in many ways is by affecting joints, causing them to swell up and cause severe pain that is often also accompanied by fever and fatigue. And this was not the only issue that Decker had to conquer to get to where she is today.

Sharing her journey with her community on X, Decker stated, “Most of you already know my story but for those who don’t.. I was born with an autoimmune disease. Just like when you have the flu your body attacks the virus, my body doesn’t know the difference between my own cells and foreign cells. So my body mistakenly attacks the good cells. My body is constantly fighting itself. I was diagnosed at age 2 with rheumatoid arthritis.”

She went on to share that at age 19, she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, a skin condition which leads to the build-up of skin cells that cause itchy, dry patches. Owing to having an auto-immune disease since her childhood, Decker was more prone to developing other auto-immune diseases. However, the driver has been under constant medical surveillance that has not only helped her condition, but also her racing career.

WATCH THIS STORY: The Uncertain Road Ahead Matt Dibenedettos 2024 NASCAR Journey

She concluded, “I go into the doctors every 8 weeks to get my infusions and they have changed my life. I still have bad days when I can’t do normal/simple activities but when I do feel good I feel unstoppable!!” Decker’s 10 Xfinity race starts in the past three years certainly showcase her tenacity to conquer her dreams and continue on the journey toward NASCAR success. But even then, the community immediately began to extend their support toward the inspirational driver. Those suffering from similar conditions also shared their words of wisdom with Decker.

The NASCAR community extends their heartfelt support to Decker

Trending

Richard ‘The King’ Petty Comes Clean on Legacy MC’s Cup Struggles With Heartbreaking Admission

“It Terrifies Me”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Confesses an Unexpected Fear of His Iconic NASCAR Trophies

Joe Gibbs’ Star Ran Out of Talent, Claims Bubba Wallace Insider After Successive Kansas Fumbles

“I’m Not Doing It”- Denny Hamlin Confesses the Only Condition That Would Bring Carl Edwards Back to NASCAR

“This Is Such a Sticky Thing” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Rescues NASCAR With Kevin Harvick’s Former Ally Breathing Down Their Necks

As Natalie Decker briefed her fans on her current condition, many community members were by her side immediately. A user shared a wholesome GIF and tweeted, “Keep up the Good fight. God bless 🙏” while another said what was on everyone’s mind from the very start; “Stay strong Nat you are inspiring 🤘 🤘”

On the other hand, users who were also undergoing treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and similar autoimmune diseases joined in to share their experiences and support Decker.

A user shared her own journey with the 26-year-old and wrote, “Stay strong Natalie! I have RA too and a bit of psoriatic arthritis that damaged one of my fingers. I have been doing Orencia infusions for 2 years now and I’m a lot better ☺God bless you.” An inspirational supporter, whose family member suffers from the same condition shared, “You are awesome. My wife has RA not yet on infusions but shots every week. I know your pain. Keep enjoying those good days. Hope for many more!”

READ MORE: “You’ve… Stolen the Weekend” – Fans Left Extremely Unhappy After NASCAR Changes Its Qualification Model for 2024

Many other fans also had words of encouragement and support to share with Decker, and some also thanked her for shedding light on the struggles of having an auto-immune disease. With that said, we wish Natalie Decker the very best as she continues to showcase immense strength!