Tag Archives: 2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference

JA Conference Veteran Families

Veteran Families Continue to Benefit from the JA Conference

In 2015, the Arthritis Foundation committed to offering two National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences in hopes of serving more families affected by JA and related childhood rheumatic diseases. In 2016, the conferences brought in record numbers – more than half of which were families that attended the JA Conference for the very first time. This means that more children, teens, parents, caregivers and young adults were able to connect with others that share the same concerns, struggles, triumphs and Yes moments!
Continue reading Veteran Families Continue to Benefit from the JA Conference

Juvenile Arthritis Conference 2016

JA Conference East Touches Lives of Over 1,000 Families Living With Juvenile Arthritis

While Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is typically known for historic events such as the birthplace of our nation’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution, it was also the site of the second of two National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences. In historic fashion, the Arthritis Foundation welcomed over 1,000 more children and their families to the East conference, bringing the total number of attendees in 2016 to over 2,000 – the highest numbers to date!
Continue reading JA Conference East Touches Lives of Over 1,000 Families Living With Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis Conference West Phoenix, AZ

2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference West a Success!

From the San Francisco bay to the shores of Boston, Massachusetts, over 1,000 children and their families, young adults and health care professionals descended upon the desert of Phoenix, Arizona for the 32nd Annual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference. The first of two JA Conferences this year hosted by the Arthritis Foundation brought together first time attendees and veteran families who have returned to the annual conference.
Continue reading 2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference West a Success!

Matt Iseman Juvenile Arthritis Conference

Matt Iseman Shares Touching Video With Families at Juvenile Arthritis Conference

As the iconic voice and host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior, Matt Iseman cheers on athletes every day as they weave their way through different obstacle courses and challenges. Last night at the Opening Dinner of the 2016 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference West in Phoenix, Arizona, Matt sent a touching video message to our JA Warriors full of hope and well wishes.
Continue reading Matt Iseman Shares Touching Video With Families at Juvenile Arthritis Conference

Stronger Than Juvenile Arthritis

Stronger Than JA: Strength In Numbers

Every day we come across kids and their families who are stronger than arthritis. We hear about their accomplishments, whether it is smiling through soreness, or receiving the game ball from a well-pitched baseball game. Earlier this year we came across a photo of two bright eyed, smiling faces enjoying their time together at a previous JA Conference.
Continue reading Stronger Than JA: Strength In Numbers

2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme

Get Ready for the 2016 National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences!

On two long weekends in July and August, families will descend on the desert in Phoenix, Arizona and the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the 2016 National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences. The JA Conference is an unforgettable annual family event, where more than 2,000 kids, teens, young adults, siblings, parents and caretakers come together to meet, learn and play.

Stay Connected!

Visit and bookmark our Things You Should Know page, where information about the JA Conference will be updated!

Learn more and sign up for the inaugural Parent Buddy Program, where families that are new to the conference will be paired up with veteran families.

  • Get in the spirit by participating in Conference Theme days! Learn more about what to pack to represent your home state and Walk to Cure Arthritis or Jingle Bell Run team!
  • Save time on Opening Night by filling out consent forms for your children or teens.

How Are You Stronger Than Juvenile Arthritis?

Tell us how you, your child and/or your family is Stronger than Arthritis! Use this link to print, write, take a picture or selfie and send it in to let us know!

Join the #StrongerThanJA Conversation

Highlights of the 2015 Juvenile Arthritis Conference

Check out some of the great moments from last year’s JA Conference below!

JA Conference Sponsors

2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme

Introducing the 2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme: Stronger Than Arthritis!

Arthritis doesn’t define us. We are stronger than arthritis – we won’t let it change our lives, change our future and change our course. We are smarter and we are bolder than arthritis. And we are thrilled to announce the 2016 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference theme: Stronger Than Arthritis.

Stronger than Arthritis represents the awe-inspiring strength shown by the children, families, and caregivers we meet, who constantly face and passionately overcome everyday challenges to show their strength.
Continue reading Introducing the 2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme: Stronger Than Arthritis!

2015 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Thank You

Juvenile Arthritis Conference: A Place for JA Families to Connect & Make Memories

At each of the Arthritis Foundation’s National Juvenile Arthritis Conference, we meet children and their families that are participating in the conference for the first time. Different milestones are achieved – whether it’s meeting another family with the same diagnosis or seeing their kids play all day. Along with our veteran returning families, this makes for a truly amazing experience for all in attendance.

2015 Thank You Recap Video

In 2015, we received hundreds of thank you cards, notes and pictures from conference kids and their families. And while we are graciously humbled by their gratitude, these words continue to drive and inspire us here at the Arthritis Foundation more each year.

2016 Registration & Scholarships Are Open

As registration and scholarship applications have opened for the TWO 2016 National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences, we look forward to seeing you and your family soon!