Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in kids and teens. It typically causes joint pain and inflammation in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows and/or wrists. But, it may affect other body parts too.
Axial spondyloarthritis (also known as axSpA or axial SpA) is a painful, chronic arthritis that mainly affects the joints of the spine, and also the joints connecting each side of the base of the spine with the pelvis (sacroiliac joints).
Rare Diseases South Africa hosts Maranda van Dam from Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of South Africa and Catherine McCormack from Arthritis Kids South Africa for an insightful discussion around juvenile arthritis.
what you'll learn
This webinar is aimed at patients, caregivers, health care professionals and anyone interested in gaining valuable insight into juvenile inflammatory arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis
requirements
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Stable internet connection
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Smart device
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Zoom
speaker profile
Maranda van Dam
Chairperson, Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of South Africa
Maranda is the current chairperson and has overall responsibility for the management of ASASA.
She was diagnosed with AxSpa in 2016, after walking the frustrating path of a delay in her diagnosis of almost 8 years. At the time of her diagnosis, she tried to reach out to a support group, and then realised there is a huge void to fill. She has since become an advocate for this disease.
Not only is she a business owner, but also a single parent to two boys. In her spare time she likes riding adventure bikes. She has recently completed a gruelling trip with her motorbike for 3 weeks in the Himalayas. She enjoys an active lifestyle that includes riding her mountainbike, playing tennis and pilates.
Catherine McCormack
Executive Director, Arthritis Kids South Africa
Catherine McCormack, like so many others, came to patient advocacy after a close encounter with a disease. In her case it was juvenile arthritis, the existence of which continues to take people by surprise.
Catherine, supported by a team of doctors and volunteer parents, runs Arthritis Kids South Africa, a patient advocacy and family support organisation. Most children with juvenile arthritis in South Africa are undiagnosed and among those with a diagnosis, too many can’t access necessary treatments. Beyond the medical aspects, families raising children with arthritis are frequently overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the reality of living with chronic disease. Arthritis Kids SA aims to make a meaningful difference to all those affected by the disease.