juvenile arthritis conference travel awards

Juvenile Arthritis Conference: Last Day to Apply for Travel Awards

Today is the last day to apply for a JA Conference travel award!

In its 34th year, the Arthritis Foundation’s National Juvenile Arthritis Conference has brought kids with rheumatic diseases and their families together for a weekend full of education, inspiration and connecting with others on a similar journey.

For many families managing with a constant stream of medical expenses, it may not be feasible to plan for a weekend conference that, depending on where you may live, might include extensive travel. The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to offer limited financial assistance to families wishing to attend the JA Conference who meet certain criteria.

From some of our recent attendees and travel award recipients:

“My 12 and 10-year-old plan to keep in touch with the friends they made.  It is so nice for them to have kids their age who understand the struggle of having a sibling with arthritis. I learned so much in the classes offered and felt renewed.  I met some wonderful people who will remain friends forever.  These people understand my struggles more than anyone else I’ve met, and they are there to help, to listen and to cheer for me.  I never imagined I would be sad when the weekend was over.  I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to attend the conference.”

 “JA is not only hard physically on the child but takes a toll on them mentally too.  It’s hard for their peers to always understand JA and relate.  The conference allowed my daughter to not only learn more about JA, have lots of fun with kids that understand what she is going through, and gain confidences in herself and increase her self-esteem.  For me as a parent the classes were very helpful, and I learned new things. It was also great to be around other parents and have the support and encouragement.  Thank you again for this amazing gift you gave us to attend the conference.”

 “Thank you so much for the opportunity to go to conference. I cried more than I ever thought I would while at conference. I met so many wonderful people, learned so much, and ultimately found that I was not alone in this journey. Doesn’t matter if people are across the country, I AM NOT ALONE!!!! That is so refreshing to learn. I have been able to bring a lot of information back to doctors here that assist in treating my son.”

The 2018 JA Conference will take place in Seattle, Washington June 28-July 1 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s Eastside, and Washington, D.C. August 2 – 5 at the Grand Hyatt Washington. For the latest news and updates, be sure check the JA Conference website and follow along on our Facebook page!

If you have additional questions about JA Conference Travel Awards, please contact Katie Bitner at kbitner@arthritis.org or 404-965-7538.

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