The school year is an opportunity to enjoy some of the best memories with friends. But for many kids with juvenile arthritis (JA) and other rheumatic conditions, being in school can sometimes bring feelings of isolation. Many kids with JA have never met a friend with the same diagnosis. They never get to take a break from a serious illness that’s often quite painful, makes the immune system go haywire and can be downright lonely at times.
Summer break, however, is another story! The Arthritis Foundation provides camp programs and our National Juvenile Arthritis Conference in two locations, giving kids with JA the experience of a lifetime and the chance to feel included. Meeting other kids with the same disease fosters courage and strength and teaches them how to advocate for themselves.
That’s why July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month — a time when we put a spotlight on JA, so more people know what living with it is like. We also take the opportunity to encourage parents who suspect their child may have arthritis to consult a pediatric rheumatologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best bet for avoiding permanent joint damage and improving the chance of remission.
JA affects 300,000 families
An estimated 300,000 families in the U.S. face the major disruptions JA can cause, making the disease worth acknowledging and doing something about. More children battle JA than do those who have cystic fibrosis, juvenile diabetes and leukemia combined.
Juvenile arthritis and related diseases in kids have some things in common with adult arthritis, but they’re not the same. Typically, there’s joint pain, swelling, redness and warmth. Otherwise, the many types of JA affect different kids in different ways. They can involve the eyes, skin, heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
JA can make it hard to do schoolwork or take part in social and afterschool activities. Many kids with JA feel misunderstood and isolated. Some are bullied.Read one teen’s short memoir about living with arthritis.
Also read aboutCarsonandLaniese— two brave JA Warriors who are taking control of their challenges in ways that work for them.
你能做些什么来改变现状?
DONATE
Your support provides the resources families need to live their best life.
- We hostJA campsnationwide to bring kids together who understand each other and no longer have to feel alone.
- OurNational JA Conference,being held this year in Houston, July 18-21, and in Minneapolis, Aug. 1-4, will empower hundreds of families to take control of JA.
- JA Power Packshelp newly diagnosed children and their families get adjusted and connect with others for tips and support.
- Watch ourshort video about Conquering Childhood Arthritis,which is among the Arthritis Foundation’s highest priorities. You’ll see what we’re aiming to accomplish through research.
CONNECT
- Join our生活是的!Online Community,那里有一个特别的帖子供JA家庭交流挑战和建议，另外你还可以向健康专家提问。
- Our Live Yes! ConnectGroups for JA Parents让妈妈和爸爸们面对面地分享他们的烦恼和成功，让更多的地方团体一直在形成。
SHARE INSIGHTS
- Consider signing for thePARTNERS registry,它需要来自不同社区的人们参与调查，提供想法并为项目做出贡献。
- Clinical trials to advance JA research may be just a short drive away, socheck for nearby studiesand consider getting involved.
- Watch thisresearch video了解临床试验是如何工作的，以及你可以在JA研究中扮演的各种角色。
Ways to help raise awareness
帮助宣传青少年关节炎和其他儿童风湿病将为研究和资源提供更多的支持。
- Take to social media using the hashtag#StrongerThanJA.Tell everyone you know that you’re fighting JA and urge them to join you.
- It’s a snap to add your snapshot to our photo pool — and automaticallyunlock a $5 donation fromcheerity.com.
- Share your storyabout the ups and downs of living with JA, which will inspire others to get behind our cause.
- Dedicate a specialJA Awareness Month donation以纪念你自己或你爱和关心的JA战士。
