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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.

    Patient talking with nurse Newly Diagnosed With Arthritis

    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.

    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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    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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    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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This SJIA Family Thrives in a New Setting

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in children and teens. Between 10% to 20% of children with JIA have a rare and serious subtype called systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA). Symptoms of this rare disease can include overactivation of a type of immune cells called macrophages (MAS), unremitting fever, liver and spleen enlargement, abnormal bleeding, central nervous system dysfunction and other potential complications. Read about one family’s plight.

Today, 9-year-old Cohen is having the time of his life. He is “president” of the barn on the ranch where his family now lives in New Mexico. He takes care of 13 goats, five sheep and eight pigs. He loves playing dodgeball, playing with other kids on the ranch, especially his older friends, Kylie and Mikela, who understand what he deals with, and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I love living here,” Cohen says. “I won’t ever leave because I don’t hurt here.”

To help improve Cohen’s SJIA, the Yoakum family decided to move from Ohio to New Mexico a year ago — for a better climate and a better environment. The change made a huge difference. Today, Cohen sees a pediatric rheumatologist every six months for a check-up and doesn’t have to take any medications. That’s a far cry from what he and his family had to endure most of his life.

Cohen was just 2 years old when “we knew something wasn’t right,” his mother says. He started vomiting and developed rashes and swelling in random areas of his body, accompanied by high fevers. The first joints affected were his ankles. Soon it spread to his fingers and elbows. Finally, Cohen was diagnosed with SJIA.

“It was really hard to walk and run,” Cohen remembers. “It felt like someone was smashing me. My legs stopped working, and I cried for my parents to help me. They took me to the hospital, and I was in a wheelchair. I didn’t like that. No one else was in a wheelchair besides grandmas and grandpas.”

Many surgeries and injections later, Cohen continued facing challenges. “It was really hard to navigate our situation,” says Cohen’s stepdad, Travis. His mom, Kensi, adds: “It took Travis and me to hold Cohen down for his twice daily shot. We would all three be in tears at the end. Cohen didn’t understand why he was taking meds that made him feel worse, with so many bad side effects.”

“To see your child in physical and emotional pain, and not being able to do anything about it, is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to go through,” Kensi continues.

Moving to New Mexico was a difficult decision. “There were people against what we were doing, going so far away,” says Kensi. “It was hard, but we thought it would help, and it has.”

[caption id="attachment_480" align="alignleft" width="188"] Clockwise: Travis, Kensi, Cohen and Crew[/caption]

The whole family attended the Arthritis Foundation’s JA Conference in Minneapolis in 2019. “It was absolutely amazing and just what we needed,” says Travis. They have also participated in local Walk to Cure Arthritis and Jingle Bell Run fundraisers. Their team is Cohen’s Crew (Crew named for his little brother, age 5).

Their advice to other families living with juvenile arthritis for everyday coping?

  • Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support you. We have the most awesome tribe of friends we call family.

  • Share your child’s story. Go to the JA Conference and camps. It’s amazing!

  • Document everything — every phone call you make and everything your doctor says.

  • Celebrate the small victories and make it a big deal!


What does Cohen want to be when he grows up? “Wow, I haven’t thought about that a lot,” he says. “My mom always asks me that. I am just a kid. I want to rebuild for people after natural disasters. When I’m 19, I want to make a video game.” That sums up Cohen’s altruistic and entrepreneurial spirit altogether.

What has Kensi learned about helping manage her son’s disease? “This is his disease. He has to live with it for the rest of his life. So, we encourage him to take on challenges. He’s never going to be able to conquer hard times otherwise. That was a really tough lesson for me.”

And if someone dealing with SJIA needs encouraging words, from someone who’s living with it, what’s Cohen’s advice? “I would ask them if they know what SJIA means. It sounds weird to say; I like to just say arthritis. I would tell them to go to New Mexico because they may feel better, and they could hang out with me.”

—Tony Williams

This SJIA Spotlight Story was made possible with support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
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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.

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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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