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Community Corner

LOCAL FAMILY ATTENDS ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION NATIONAL JUVENILE ARTHRITIS CONFERENCE

Nikki Reitz, and her daughter Becca, were among children with arthritis, caregivers, doctors and researchers from across the nation who convened in Keystone, Colorado for the Arthritis Foundation  National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, held July 3-6 in conjunction with Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month.

Approximately 1,000 attendees had the opportunity to network with those who share similar challenges and learn of the latest advances in juvenile arthritis research and care. Conference participants also celebrated the significant advances in juvenile arthritis medication, awareness and treatments since the conference was founded in Keystone in 1984. View a schedule of events.

“The National Juvenile Arthritis Conference is the hallmark event of the Arthritis Foundation and a source of hope for caretakers and families coping with juvenile arthritis,” said Arthritis Foundation President and CEO, Ann M. Palmer.  “While great strides in the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile arthritis have been made over the last 30 years, the need to exchange ideas, network and learn about the latest treatments remains paramount. As the Arthritis Foundation marked the 30th anniversary of the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, we reaffirmed our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of families with juvenile arthritis and our commitment to fight relentlessly for a cure.”

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Juvenile arthritis is one of the most common, chronic childhood diseases, yet it often goes undetected, or is misdiagnosed when symptoms first appear. Approximately 300,000 children in the U.S. are living with this painful and debilitating disease, including Becca Reitz.

Becca was just 13 months old when she was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  Two years later, it was discovered that Becca was suffering with uveitis, commonly known as arthritis of the eye, which can cause blindness, glaucoma and cataracts.  Her treatment includes monthly injections in the stomach, but she is brave and fearless and faces her challenges with a level of courage that inspires us.

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“Arthritis is costly, painful and debilitating, and makes a significant impact in the lives of people in our community,” said Executive Director for the Chapter Office in St. Louis, Jan Bignall. “We will continue to work in reaching our goal of removing the burden of arthritis entirely by continuing the fight for a cure.”

As part of our continuing efforts, the Arthritis Foundation offers support for families here in St. Louis and surrounding area, including:

Cabin Fever Weekend, Joint Adventure’s Camp, JA Fall Fun Days and many more activities, programs and educational seminars. 

To learn more about juvenile arthritis and resources for families, visit www.kgat.org. The National Juvenile Arthritis Conference is supported by national sponsors Amgen, AbbVie, Genentech, and Novartis, and local sponsors Anschutz Foundation, Assistance Fund, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation, Triple Bypass/Team Evergreen Cycling and Questcor.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of those living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. Since 1948, the Foundation has remained committed to leading groundbreaking research for better treatments and a cure; fighting for patients’ access to affordable and effective health care; and providing trusted information and resources to the more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children living with the disease.

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