In a bejewelled bustier, flaming-red cut-away dress and killer heels, Tracey-Lee Davis looks amazing. But the sensual dancer, who does a frenetic samba, has another side to her, one that leaves her unable to feed, bathe or clothe herself for days on end.

The 25-year-old radio journalist has a condition called rheumatoid arthritis, which on her best days does not affect her at all, and on her worst, leaves her immobile or wheelchair-bound.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of joints, making them inflamed and swollen.

Despite this, Davis recently won the under-40 title at the 2010 Abbott Dance for Life Competition, and holds a BA in drama and an honours degree in journalism.

Dance has always been her passion.

"I danced from the age of six, and I wanted to study dance after matric. I had these terrible aches after dancing, but doctors diagnosed it as growing pains. In my matric year, the pain got worse and I went to a physician. The tests were positive for rheumatoid arthritis and I stopped dancing immediately," she says.

She was not able to walk for most of her matric year: "I had to be carried, or I was in wheelchairs or on crutches.

"But I decided to do my bachelor's degree in drama at the University of Stellenbosch even though it was a huge challenge.

"At times I couldn't walk or hold a pen, and people thought I would fail. Drama is very taxing and there are a lot of movement classes, long hours and rehearsals. I did struggle, but I succeeded.

"Maybe it was to prove to myself and others that people who have limitations can do anything they want," she says.

With cabaret, television and radio presenting as major subjects, Davis decided to pursue journalism, too.

"It's difficult, because at least twice a year, I spend a week in hospital and maybe two weeks afterwards in a wheelchair," she says. "I am still the type of person who wants to do everything while I can, maybe even too much, but when the flare-ups happen, getting out of bed can be a challenge."

The number of flare-ups has been minimised by a new treatment whereby human stem cells are injected into the joints.

"I have to be on the highest medical aid plan possible to afford it, but it is working. It stops the degeneration of the joints.

"Many people who have RA will see their joints become deformed later in life, but with this treatment that won't happen. It is a miracle. Since I've been on it, I am better for longer periods, and I can do so much more."

Entrants in the dance competition raised awareness about the treatment - many of them were on it. In fact, some had been in wheelchairs before treatment.

"Meeting all those people in the competition made me realise this disease does not define me," says Davis. "I used to go and watch dance shows or ballets and sit and cry because I knew in my heart that I should have been on that stage. With this treatment, my heart is becoming whole again."