Juvenile Arthritis Research (JAR) has announced the launch of the UK’s first ever Juvenile Arthritis Month, set to take place in March of this year. The month-long campaign, known as JAMJAR (Juvenile Arthritis Month by Juvenile Arthritis Research), aims to raise awareness of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and the thousands of children living with the condition in the UK.
According to JAR Founder Richard Beesley, the word “arthritis” is still primarily associated with the elderly, leading to a lack of awareness that infants, children, and young people can also develop the condition. This lack of awareness often results in delays in diagnosis and treatment.
“With improved awareness, we hope to see diagnosis happening earlier and treatment starting sooner,” says Beesley. “While there is no cure for JIA, we know that prompt treatment can help prevent permanent disability and lead to better outcomes for children and young people with the condition.”
Through the JAMJAR campaign, JAR will focus on the theme of empowerment. The organization believes that when JIA is diagnosed promptly and treated effectively, children can go on to lead full lives. JAR plans to highlight the incredible achievements of children and young people with JIA, showcasing their talents in sports, arts, music, writing, and more. The campaign will also use the hashtag #MoreThanMyArthritis to raise awareness and encourage others to share their stories.
It’s important to note that a diagnosis of JIA is for life, meaning that a child with JIA will become an adult with the condition. The term “Juvenile” refers to the age of onset of symptoms, which must occur before the age of 16. JAR emphasizes the importance of understanding this for both those with JIA and healthcare professionals to ensure proper treatment throughout a person’s life.
JAMJAR presents a critical opportunity to educate and empower individuals living with JIA and those who care for them. By increasing awareness and understanding, JAR hopes to reduce the stigma and isolation often experienced by children and young people with arthritis. The organization’s website, www.jarproject.org/jamjar, provides more information about the campaign and ways to get involved.
Press release distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/ on Wednesday, 5 February, 2025.