JRA Awareness and Education Foundation of Northern Illinois

Knowledge is Power. . .Educate Parents and Physicians

Interested in a support group which includes your whole family?   Register on the Support Group Page.

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS? 1.        If  we say the word Arthritis, who do you picture? 2.        If we say, they are always going to one doctor or another, who do you picture? 3.         Can you die from Arthritis? If you are like most people, the answers you gave to these questions would be wrong. Children get arthritis.  They require medical teams consisting of but not limited to: a.        Pediatrician b.        Pediatric Rheumatologist c.        Internist d.        Pediatric Ophthalmologist e.        Pediatric Cardiologist f.        Otolaryngologist (ENT) g.        Physical Therapist h.        Rheumatology Nurse i.        Orthopedic j.        Orthotist

What is JRA? In the simplest terms, it is the betrayal of a child by their own body. The medical community doesn't know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis (also referred to as idiopathic arthritis) in children. Research indicates that it is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, white blood cells lose the ability to tell the difference between the body's own healthy cells and tissues and harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. The immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from these harmful invaders, instead releases chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and cause inflammation and pain. Typically JRA appears between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. The first signs are often joint pain or swelling, and reddened or warm joints. The type of JRA a child has is generally determined by the pattern of symptoms that occurs within the first 6 months after symptoms appear. The symptoms of JRA eventually disappear in about 50% of these children, but with the current knowledge it is difficult to predict who will most likely outgrow the disease. Many rheumatologists (doctors specializing in joint disorders) find that the greater the  number of joints affected, the more severe the disease and the less likely that the symptoms will eventually go into total remission.  A child may go into remission, but will have JRA all of their lives.  Even as an adult it is still JRA. To effectively manage and minimize the effects of arthritis, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential. There are several types of JRA..

Update on Hog Roast and Poker Run Special Thanks to Chris Thielsen Some Friends Pitching In For The Cause 1 We would like to thank all of our volunteers:    The Rebbeka's      The South Elgin JayCees     Larry Kackley   Richie            Denise               Ronnie    Gary                  Stacey    Jean                  Sue    John                  Tamara    Karen                Tina

The Face of One Little JRA Angel

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can lead normal lives. Understanding the disease and its treatment is the first step in that direction.