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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.

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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.

    man exercising Stairs Workout Demo

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

    woman consoling another Arthritis and Mental Health

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

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    OACS Forum Series

    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.

    man bandaging boy's knee Conquering Childhood Arthritis

    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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Aspen Finds Her Peace and Place Living With JA

Daughter of Chil Wellness founder has made major progress, thanks to her dad’s natural solutions.



At just 15 months old, Aspen DeMeritt of Malibu, California, started limping after getting up from naps. A few months later, she had shooting pain in her legs that made her unable to stand. She was soon diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) and was put on multiple medications to control her inflammation.

JA, affecting 300,000 kids in the U.S., can cause the immune system to mistake healthy cells and tissue as foreign substances, causing inflammation. The disease ranges in severity and can lead to not only serious joint issues, but also uveitis, an inflammation in the eyes that can cause blindness. There’s no cure, but drugs can help reduce symptoms. However, Aspen’s parents, Kevin and Amanda, were skeptical.

“We soon found these prescriptions came with powerful side effects,” says her father. “As a parent, I could not stand idly by. I began my research to find safe, natural ingredients that could bring relief to her tiny body and restore the joy that the pain had stolen from her.”

Kevin worked with scientists, doctors and farmers to develop natural ingredients that could be used to help her feel more comfortable without negative side effects. That led him to start Chil Wellness, a new-generation wellness company that formulates products to assist people in obtaining a healthier, more active lifestyle. “This journey to help my daughter has now become a mission of ours to help others. It is truly a blessing to have this opportunity.”

Aspen turned 15 earlier this year and attended school remotely as a freshman because of the pandemic. Today, the only medication she takes is a pill, which she swallows daily. “It took a little while to work, but I like it a lot more than the shot I used to take every week. I feel pretty good now.” Apsen stretches often and tries to stay moving as much as possible. “When I get a flare, I rub on the salve or roll-on my dad made for me, and my knees and foot feel better.”

[caption id="attachment_2390" align="alignright" width="225"] Aspen playing soccer at age 13[/caption]

Playing soccer is one of Aspen’s favorite activities. She also enjoys swimming and diving and likes to draw. “Before, I was on my school’s soccer team, which I loved, but that was cancelled by COVID-19. Since then, I go on walks with my dog and work out at home with my dad. But my hobby is really soccer. I would love to be able to play soccer in college.”

COVID-19 was a tough adjustment for Aspen. “My parents were protective of me because of my medication lowering my immune system,” she says. “For the first six months or so, it was really hard, because I couldn’t hang out with my friends. We talked using Facetime to catch up, but it wasn’t much fun and a little depressing. On the other hand, our family became closer and would do fun stuff together to pass the time. My mom cooked a lot, my dad ate a lot, and my brother and sister were always trying to figure out how to get out of the house.”

COVID-19 also made Aspen realize something she thinks may help other kids and parents. “At first, I was down on myself because I wasn’t like other kids. I had to be more careful. My parents were always making sure I was safe because of the medication that lowered my immune system.

“I would take it the wrong way,” she continues. “Like I was getting singled out, and it didn’t feel good.  But after a while, I realized they were protecting me out of love. My advice is to understand that your parents are making sure you are OK. And for parents: Understand that kids just want to be kids. And if we talk back or get mad, just be patient. We do come around to realizing that you love us and are trying to help.”

Aspen and her family have donated time and money to their local Walk to Cure Arthritis, and she has spoken at Arthritis Foundation fundraising galas in Los Angeles. During the pandemic, Aspen says she and her dad set a goal of raising $100,000 to benefit the Foundation through sales of Chil Wellness products . “We’re almost there,” she says. “I’m really proud of what we’ve done and hope it helps those with arthritis, like helping kids go to JA camps where they can be around other kids like them.”

“I wanted to turn a devastating situation for our family into an opportunity to raise awareness about juvenile arthritis and to raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation, an amazing organization that has been a superb support system,” says Kevin.

[caption id="attachment_2391" align="alignleft" width="199"] Aspen at age 3 after being diagnosed with JA[/caption]

Kevin admits he’s not a medical professional, just a parent on a mission to help his daughter. He wanted Aspen to have a normal childhood and to run and play with other kids. The goal was for her to grow up strong and healthy and be able to do whatever she loved in life. He continually seeks out the best ingredients, scientists and technology to get the best results.

Aspen’s mother, Amanda, says their family has a motto: “Always keep trying and never give up! Every day is a challenge, but as a family, we can face it.”

One of Kevin’s favorite quotes, by Winston Churchill:

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It’s the courage to continue that counts.”

July is JA Awareness Month, when the Arthritis Foundation is hosting our annual JA Conference and summer camps. Please support our commitment to helping families like Aspen’s find hope and support.

Learn the Arthritis Foundation's official position on CBD use for adults with arthritis. We do not recommend CBD use for children with arthritis and other pediatric rheumatic diseases.

—Tony Williams

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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.

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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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