For one local family, faith, resilience, and community have become the foundation of an unexpected journey—one that began with a mother’s instinct that something just wasn’t right.
Briena (Colter), a lifelong resident of Connersville, and Matt Bedel, previously from Randolph County, are raising four children between their two blended families: Hunter, 21; Graham, 13; Spencer, 10; and Laynee, 2. Deeply rooted in their faith and active in PTC Ministries, the family describes themselves as “blessed with really amazing kids.” Briena is an RN, and Matt is a police officer. But over the past year, their youngest daughter’s health has tested their strength in ways they never anticipated.
Two-year-old Laynee was, by all accounts, a healthy and active toddler. But in February 2025, at just 22 months old, her mother noticed a sudden change.
“Her walk was different,” her mother recalled. “She was limping and seemed really uncomfortable. Her knees and right ankle were swollen and warm. In my gut, I knew something was wrong.”
There had been no injuries. Nothing to explain the symptoms. Acting quickly, Laynee’s pediatrician referred the family to specialists. What followed was a whirlwind of appointments that led to a diagnosis no parent expects to hear: Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own joints.
“We went to Children’s Orthopedics, who sent us over to Rheumatology the same day. I think they knew just from looking at her that she had JIA. Her lab work and physical assessment confirmed their suspicion of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. JIA is an autoimmune disorder where her immune system was attacking her joints. She specifically has oligoarticular JIA. This means she had fewer than four joints affected, with a higher risk of the inflammation going to her eyes. Within about a week of diagnosis, they did steroid injections into her knees and ankles. While that helped temporarily, her arthritis was worsening, and she needed a more aggressive treatment.”
Determined to explore every option, the family sought a second opinion in Houston, Texas, and tried alternative approaches, including dietary changes and supplements. But by September, Laynee’s condition progressed—this time affecting her vision.
“She developed uveitis in her right eye,” her mother explained. “Without treatment, she could have lost her vision permanently.”
Faced with that reality, the family made a difficult decision. Despite initial hesitation about long-term medications, they chose to begin biologic treatment—powerful drugs designed to suppress the immune system and prevent further damage.
“It wasn’t an easy choice,” she said. “These medications come with risks, and once you start, you often have to stay on them for years. But her quality of life mattered most.”
Laynee began receiving injections every other week, along with physical and aquatic therapy to rebuild her strength. Before treatment, even walking had become a challenge.
Today, just months later, the difference is remarkable.
“She recently graduated from physical therapy just before her third birthday,” her mother said. “Right now, Laynee is symptom-free, praise God!”
Though she still requires regular injections and frequent specialist visits, Laynee is once again able to enjoy the simple joys of childhood, playing outside, reading stories, and spending time with her siblings. She loves watching “Bluey”, helping care for her aunt’s chickens, and going to Sunday school.
Still, her journey has shaped her in profound ways.
“She’s learned at such a young age that she needs medicine and shots to feel better,” her mother said. “She doesn’t like them, but she understands. She picks out her Band-Aid beforehand and looks forward to stickers afterward. She truly is a little warrior.”
The experience has also connected the family with others facing similar challenges, creating a support system they now cherish.
“We’ve met other local families going through this, and that’s been such a blessing,” she said. “And our own family has supported us in ways we can’t even put into words.”
Now, the family is turning their journey into purpose.
On May 17, they will participate in the Walk to Cure Arthritis in Cincinnati, joining others to raise awareness and funds for research through the Arthritis Foundation. Their team, affectionately named “The Layneebugs,” reflects the nickname they’ve given Laynee since she was a baby.
To join the walk or to donate, you can go to Briena Bedel’s Facebook page or to https://events.arthritis.org/wtcacincinnati.
“We want people to understand more about JIA,” her mother said. “We didn’t know much about it before her diagnosis. Arthritis affects so many people, including children, and it deserves more attention.”
Their hope is not only to find a cure someday, but to show Laynee and others like her that they are not alone in the fight.
“We want her to see that there are ways to push back against this disease,” she said. “And we plan to walk beside her every step of the way.”
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