Category Archives: JA Conference

The 2021 Virtual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Was a Wonderful Success

A big THANK YOU to all JA families, planning committee members and sponsors for making the 2021 Virtual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference a huge success! This year, we welcomed more than 850 total attendees — including 373 first-time participants — from 42 states and three different countries.

The JA Conference offered 71 virtual sessions and gave attendees the opportunity to connect and network with other moms, dads, families, siblings, caregivers and, of course, young adults, teens and kids with JA who share similar challenges and triumphs. Even in these trying times, we showed the world that together we are stronger than JA!

“My daughter was recently diagnosed and had never met any kids with JA. She enjoyed meeting and playing virtually with kids that experience the same things she does. The JA Conference gave her a sense of community and showed her that she wasn’t alone.”

—JA Mom and Conference Attendee

The expanded conference program offered more than 30 live sessions on a variety of topics including our COVID-19 session series and a conference favorite session: a live chat with Natalie Decker, NASCAR driver and arthritis warrior, who joined families to share her inspirational story and answer questions from conference attendees. The JA Conference also introduced an SJIA track to the conference program and provided a variety of sessions for kids and teens including another conference favorite: the Panda Bear Clinic.

Miss any of the JA Conference content? Browse the JA Conference session videos.

 This year, Katy & Bridget Carter of Winnetka, California, received the 2021 Steve and Liz Smith Legacy Award for their many years of volunteer service to the JA Conference and the JA community. Katy and Bridget were honored for developing, implementing and building the sibling program at the JA Conference. Check out the surprise presentation and touching reaction during the closing session. The JA Conference also recognized outstanding volunteer leadership by awarding the 2021 JA Awards of Excellence. The awards are presented to a physician, youth leader, young adult, parent and health care professional who show exceptional leadership and commitment to the JA community. This year’s winners include: Lily Laurent, Dawn Hafeli Award for Youth Leadership; Haley Mapp, Young Adult Leadership Award; Anne Jackson, RN, Patti Rettig Award for Health Care Professional Leadership; Dr. Ashley Cooper, Earl Brewer Award for Physician Leadership; and Bob and Jen Tonning, Parent Leadership Award. Congratulations award winners!

“Thank you, JA Conference! I learned a lot in the sessions about how to make the medical transition smoother. The conference empowered me to know that I have choices in my care!”

—JA Young Adult and Conference Attendee

A huge thank you to ALL attendees of the JA Conference, as well as conference chairs, Jenn and Shane Cox; special guest, Natalie Decker; plus, the planning committee; volunteers; subject matter experts; physicians; and guest speakers. And special thanks to National Presenting Sponsor, Abbvie; Supporting Sponsor, Alpha Omicron Pi; and additional supporter, Genentech.

 Save the dates for the 2022 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, where we are excited to return to an in-person event. Next year’s event will feature a “Family Reunion” theme and will be held July 14 to 17, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. We hope to see you there!

2020 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Banner

Introducing the 2020 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme: Family Reunion, Stronger Together

Do you live with juvenile arthritis? Then you’re part of our extended family!

In 2020, we’ll celebrate connections and spend quality time together at a Family Reunion like no other. From across the country, at one EPIC event, JA families will gather to draw strength from each other and become more powerful than ever. For long-timers and newcomers alike, the National JA Conference is the place to be for fun in the summertime! Continue reading Introducing the 2020 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme: Family Reunion, Stronger Together

Houston Kicks Off the 2019 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Today!

Houston Kicks Off the 2019 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Today!

 Over 800 kids, teens, young adults and their families from across the country are landing in Houston, Texas, for the first of two National Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Conferences the Arthritis Foundation is hosting this year. This week’s conference will kick off our 35th annual gathering of JA families during JA Awareness Month, and offers a variety of events and informational program tracks focused on education, connecting with others and fun. Continue reading Houston Kicks Off the 2019 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Today!

Coming Soon to a City Near You: The 35th Annual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference

IN A WORLD… where everyday kids become WARRIORS and battle arthritis as the JA League!

All kids and young adults with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are heroes —members of our JA League. Every day, these Warriors battle the challenges that try to hold them back. But in the end, WE WIN! Don’t miss the latest, greatest blockbuster, starring YOU — connecting with other JA superstars. Continue reading Coming Soon to a City Near You: The 35th Annual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference

2018 juvenile arthritis conference

From Washington State to Washington DC, the 2018 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Welcomed Over 1,800 Participants

Each summer as school lets out and the weather starts to get warmer, there’s an excitement in the air felt all the way from Long Beach, California to the shores of Long Island, New York. There are always good reasons to be excited for some time off, but for many children, teens, young adults and their families affected by juvenile arthritis and related rheumatic diseases – the Arthritis Foundation’s National Juvenile Arthritis Conference has become the summer event to look forward to.

Over two long weekends in late June and early August, more than 1,800 attendees made their way to Seattle, Washington and Washington, DC to take part the 2018 JA Conference. As done in previous years, the Arthritis Foundation hosted two JA Conference locations to serve even more kids, families and young adults affected by childhood rheumatic diseases across the country, while also welcoming home returning veteran families.

In both cities, more than half of conference participants were first time attendees to the JA Conference, experiencing everything the four-day conference had to offer. Kids and teens were treated to their own specialized programming including peer-led activities, educational sessions and fun social happenings. At the same time, parents choose their own breakout sessions throughout the day – from disease-specific sessions hosted by top doctors and health care experts to topics such as educational rights in schools and transitioning from adolescent to adult medicine. This year, we also live-streamed two of our most popular sessions for those that were not able to join us in person.

Continue reading From Washington State to Washington DC, the 2018 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Welcomed Over 1,800 Participants

2018 juvenile arthritis conference

JA Conference Washington, DC – Kickoff

Superheroes Seen in Washington DC – the 2018 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Begins Today!

Nearly 900 superheroes – kids, teens, young adults and their families – from across the country, have been seen banding together in Washington DC!

DC serves as the second location of the Arthritis Foundation’s signature National Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Conference. The JA Conference is a unique opportunity for families, kids, teens and young adults affected by JA and other rheumatic diseases to connect with others and spend the weekend networking, learning, sharing tips and forming friendships.

Continue reading JA Conference Washington, DC – Kickoff

2018 juvenile arthritis conference

Calling All Superheroes! 2018 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Registration is Now Open!

Leaping tall buildings may not be what we actually do but overcoming the daily challenges of juvenile arthritis takes a SUPER kid. By learning how to overcome obstacles and connecting with others, families use their super powers to fight arthritis.

Each day over 300,000 children, teens, young adults and their families deal with the daily pain of juvenile arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases. The Arthritis Foundation is here to empower our kids, teens, young adults and their families through support, education and forging connections. Together, we are determined to win the fight against JA. And together, we are unstoppable against arthritis.

Continue reading Calling All Superheroes! 2018 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Registration is Now Open!

juvenile arthritis conference travel awards

JA Conference Travel Award Applications Are Now Open!

Travel Award applications (formerly scholarships) for the 2018 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference are now being accepted! Interested families and young adults (ages 18-25) are welcome to apply for a travel award that will assist in the cost of traveling to or attending this year’s conference in Seattle, Washington or Washington, D.C. Applications must be submitted by February 26, 2018 to be considered, and all applicants will be notified by March 30, 2018.

Continue reading JA Conference Travel Award Applications Are Now Open!

2017 JA Conference Highlights

Indianapolis Closes Out the 33rd Annual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference

Over the weekend, Indianapolis, Indiana played host to the second location of the two 2017 National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences. The Arthritis Foundation welcomed almost 1,000 kids, teens, young adults and their families to an exciting and spirited weekend of education, networking and fun.

For the second year in a row, the Arthritis Foundation hosted two JA Conference locations to serve more kids, families and young adults affected by JA and related childhood rheumatic diseases across the country, while also welcoming back returning veteran families. More than 60 percent of Indianapolis attendees were able to experience the JA Conference for the first time and came from 39 US states, Puerto Rico and Canada.

Continue reading Indianapolis Closes Out the 33rd Annual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference