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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wrist What Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbes Inflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

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    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

    • Understanding Arthritis
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    Woman holding shoulder Webinar: Touch Therapies for Pain Management

    Learn the evidence behind popular touch therapies for arthritis, including what to try and what to avoid, for how long and when.

    Managing Arthritis Care Costs

    Learn the basics about health care costs and financial tools available to you.

    Man with head in hands on bed Webinar: Arthritis Fatigue Causes and Solutions

    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

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    Woman with upset stomach Microbiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

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    Strengthen your leg muscles and improve your stability to make going up and down stairs safer and easier.

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    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

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    2023 JA Family Summit

    Learn about the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, a place for families to connect, share and learn.

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    The Arthritis Foundation’s JA camp programs give kids with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases the chance to make lasting memories.

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    Transforming Clinical Interactions

    The Live Yes! Arthritis community connects patients with others online and in-person for support and education, and encourages patients to play an active role in their health care.

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    The Arthritis Foundation recently launched an initiative to build stronger relationships and increase recognition of our most engaged practices.

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    The Osteoarthritis Clinical Studies Forum Series features OA thought leaders from across the globe discussing the future of how the disease can be treated to improve patient outcomes.

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    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    Take action today - use the resources here to learn who your elected officials are, what opportunities we have to advocate from the comfort of your own home, federal and state legislation, and more!

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    Share your experience in a 10-minute assessment to be among those changing the future of arthritis.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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Growing Up with JA Camp

In 1989, eight-year-old Gina Yocum attended Camp MASH in Wisconsin for the first time. She had so much fun at JA Camp that she went back the next summer – and then 28 more after that. For the first 10 years, Gina attended camp as a camper; this June will be her 20 th year as a staff member.


A Priceless Experience


When Gina made her first venture to Camp MASH (Make Arthritis Stop Hurting), it was one of just a handful of JA Camps nationwide. Today, JA camps in 25 states serve kids coast to coast.

Arthritis Foundation JA camps are sponsored nationally by AbbVie, Alpha Omicron Pi and Genentech, and staffed by volunteers, including medical professionals. Thanks to sponsorship and donations, the cost of camp is low (or in some cases free), yet for campers and their parents, the experience of attending JA camp is priceless.

“Fostering positive experiences, providing invaluable resources and offering a space for support within the JA community are core objectives at AbbVie, and key reasons why we fund camp,” says Jim Salanty, vice president, U.S. Rheumatology, AbbVie.

Learning and Fun


In addition to offering traditional camp activities – such as horseback riding, swimming, dancing, ropes courses, campfires, and arts and crafts – JA camp offers specially tailored content for kids with arthritis.

“Every activity has a psychosocial, developmental or a therapy goal,” says Gina, who is a child life specialist by profession. “A big part of camp is learning about your disease and learning life skills. But as far as having fun, we could really play anything – it’s being together that makes it special.”

Logan B., 16, who has attended Camp Dakota in Michigan the past three summers, agrees. “Activities are great fun, but the best part is hanging with friends at the cabin and around campfires,” he says.

Making Friends and Fitting In


For some campers, the kids at camp are the first ones they meet with arthritis. That was true for Gina, who was diagnosed with arthritis at 11 months, and for Logan, who was diagnosed with polyarthritis at 11 years old.

And, in a world where arthritis is “considered an old person’s disease,” JA camp is a place where kids with arthritis fit in. “You feel like you can be yourself, because in other places you get ridiculed sometimes because people don’t understand,” says Logan. “But here that doesn’t happen because everyone knows what you are going through.”

“It is comforting to get to be ‘normal’ for a week,” echoes 16-year-old Kendall I., who has attended camp for six years.

As such, friendships made at camp often become close and long-lasting.

“I am still really good friends with some girls I met at camp almost 30 years ago, says Gina. “We still support each other after all of these years.”

Likewise, Kendall says she keeps close ties with camp friends through lots of texting, snap chat and social media.

Returning as Role Models


Like Gina, many campers return as adults to help a new generation of kids with JA.

“When I was a camper, the staff was made up of volunteers from AF and the Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee,” says Gina. “Now 90 to 98 percent of our staff every year are former campers and other adults who have juvenile arthritis.”

Seeing and being with young adults who have thrived despite arthritis is another positive of camp, says Gina.

Logan and Kendall say they see themselves volunteering in the future, too. Logan has been a counselor in training for the past two years and will be a junior counselor this summer.

Helping Kids Blossom


Camp teaches kids how to swallow pills, how to give their own shots and how to cope with the disease, but perhaps what’s most meaningful for parents is seeing their kids blossom after camp, says Gina.

“I saw so much change in him,”, says Debbie, Logan’s mother. “Accepting his disease and seeing other kids with JA and just growing up and being without us.”

Kendall’s mother, Tracy, says that dropping her daughter off at camp for the first time was a 20-to-24 hour round trip. Now her daughter attends a closer camp, but Tracy says she would make the long drive again in a heartbeat if she had to. “She has made lifelong friends and has such a good time every year,” she says. “It couldn’t be any better and has been a real blessing to sign her up every summer.”

Related Resources:



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Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing.

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Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community.

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families.

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

Get Started

Partner


Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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