Tag Archives: JA Conference

2017 JA Conference Highlights

The 2017 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference Indianapolis Gets the Green Light Today!

Today, almost 1,000 kids, teens, young adults and their families from across the country are joining together in the Hoosier state for the second of two national Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Conferences the Arthritis Foundation is hosting this year. The JA Conference is a unique opportunity to connect families, kids, teens and young adults affected by JA and related childhood rheumatic diseases who spend the weekend networking, learning, sharing tips and forming bonds that can last a lifetime.

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2017 JA Conference Highlights

Houston Kicks Off the 33rd Annual National Juvenile Arthritis Conference

Over the weekend, nearly 1,000 kids, teens, young adults and their families made their way to Houston, Texas, to take part in the first of two National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences in 2017. For the second year in a row, the Arthritis Foundation is hosting two JA Conference locations to serve more kids, families and young adults across the country, while also welcoming “home” our returning veteran families.
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The 2017 National Juvenile Arthritis Conference in “Space City” Houston Blasts Off Today!

Today, 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. The JA Conference is a unique opportunity to connect families, kids, teens and young adults affected by JA and other rheumatic diseases who spend the weekend networking, learning, sharing tips and forming bonds that can last a lifetime.

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Five Things to Know About the JA Conference

As we prepare for the 2017 National Juvenile Arthritis Conferences, here are five things to know from our Conference Chair, Katy Carter, if you’re getting ready to join us this summer!

Calling All JA Warriors!

With the theme of the 2017 JA Conference being JA Warriors, we want to know how YOU are #StrongerThanJA! We are JA Warriors. Every day, we deal with the challenges of juvenile arthritis.  While our situations are unique, we’re in this together. Bold, brave and bright. Battling whatever gets in our way and celebrating our victories. As JA Warriors, we stick together, determined to win the fight against JA.

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Juvenile Arthritis Conference Teen Panel

JA Conference Teens Shares Stories of Being Stronger Than Arthritis

What makes you stronger than arthritis? We asked this question to the kids, siblings, parents and caregivers that attended this year’s National Juvenile Arthritis Conference this summer. We know that any victory is worth celebrating, whether it is being able to tie your shoes in the morning or walking the Walk to Cure Arthritis course. Sometimes it’s not a physical feat that is accomplished, but being able to attend school more or finding a new passion for music and art.
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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.
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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.
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2016 Juvenile Arthritis Conference Theme

First of Two 2016 JA Conferences Begins Today!

Today, families from around the nation are gathering in Phoenix, AZ, for our JA Conference WEST – the first of two national Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Conferences we are hosting this year. These two conferences give families, kids, teens and young adults affected by JA and other rheumatic diseases an opportunity to share time connecting, learning, sharing tips and forming bonds that can last a lifetime.
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Juvenile Arthritis Conference Scholarships

July Is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Did you know that July is Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Awareness month? An estimated 300,000 children in the U.S. — that’s 1 in 250 kids — are affected by some form of JA. This disease takes a unique physical and emotional toll on kids, often resulting in debilitating pain and feelings of loneliness or depression. JA can make it especially challenging for kids to say Yes — Yes to playing, Yes to hanging out with friends, Yes to spending time with family, Yes to being a kid!
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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