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2015 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference

     
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About the Annual Arthritis Foundation Juvenile Arthritis Conference

Where families learn and bond.


The annual Juvenile Arthritis Conference is the Arthritis Foundation?s signature, nationwide event for families affected by juvenile arthritis. Over 30 years, we?ve brought together thousands of families, actually more than 22,000 people ? kids, parents, siblings, caretakers and health care professionals and other experts.

Join us for this four-day educational event that focuses on health, wellness and fun for children affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, myositis, ankylosing spondylitis and other rheumatic diseases. The whole family is invited!

There are special educational and social programming tracks for parents, kids, teens and young adults. See ?Special Programming? below.

This Juvenile Arthritis Conference offers a chance to meet other families going through similar challenges, share stories, learn about the latest treatments and research, and strategies for managing daily activities and developmental and social issues.

We bring to you top experts in pediatric rheumatology and related health care, research, educational rights, psychology, access to care and more!

The JA Conference is held in a different location each year. To keep up to date on the upcoming Conference, sign up for the "KGAT News Updates" e-newsletter (see right column).

A limited number of scholarships may be available. Contact your local office to learn more.

Here?s what one JA mom had to say about the Conference:

?My daughter was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age 7 and has struggled with learning to live with it. We attended the JA Conference and met with so many others going through the same struggles. It was an invaluable experience: a one-stop-shop for information and answers, which I took home to discuss with her physicians. After meeting other kids who share the ups and downs she has, my daughter knows she isn't alone in dealing with this disease.? ? JA mom

Special Programming

Children and Teens. In a kid-friendly atmosphere, children break into age groups from toddlers to teens. Led by experts, these sessions are designed for fun and play, but kids also learn how to manage their arthritis. Doctors and young adults who?ve been living with arthritis give the kids insights on ways they can take care of themselves.

Young Adults. For those 18 and older, the young adult program includes workshops on real-life issues, from relationships and dating to college and employment.

Parents. Moms and dads learn about and discuss the latest medications, parenting tips, educational rights, social and developmental issues, and how to advocate for more research and greater access to pediatric rheumatologists.

Siblings. Brothers and sisters are encouraged to join in and share how JA has affected their lives.