Ohio River Valley Chapter
Grassroots
LOCAL CHILD LOBBIES FOR INCREASED ARTHRITIS FUNDING
Prevalent Disease Lacks Pediatric Specialists, Research Dollars
Cold Spring resident, Jenna Sharp will join other children and hundreds of advocates nationwide at the Arthritis Foundation's annual Advocacy Summit and Kids'
- Accelerate research that may lead to improved treatments and a cure for juvenile arthritis. Currently the nation spends $40 per child with arthritis.
- Address the nationwide shortage of pediatric rheumatologists. There are parents that must drive more than four hours one way for their child to be seen by a specialist.
- Allow for investment in a nationwide public health initiative to reduce the pain and disability of arthritis. Arthritis is the nation's leading cause of disability, costing the
"Juvenile arthritis often flies under the radar in both awareness and government funding," said Barbara Perez, president of the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. "This painful disease is devastating to children and families and has severe
physical, emotional and financial effects." Passage of the Arthritis Prevention, Control and Cure Act is critical to reducing the pain and disability of the 300,000 children and 46 million adults with arthritis," she said.
Juvenile arthritis is a common disease, but it can be difficult to diagnose and treat. Parents' lack of awareness of early warning signs, along with the nationwide shortage of pediatric rheumatologists compound the problem. Worse yet, the longer treatment is delayed, the more potential there is for irreversible joint damage to occur.
Once diagnosed, families like Jenna's face multiple challenges. Without treatment, simple tasks like getting dressed, holding a pencil or going up and down stairs can be very difficult. Daily medication, strong faith, a positive attitude, ongoing physical therapy and a team of healthcare specialists ranging from a pediatric rheumatologist to a pediatric ophthalmologist help to keep Jenna's arthritis under control.
"The way Jenna deals with her disease is incredibly inspirational. Although she has her limitations, Jenna has been able to keep playing sports and remain very active in lots of school activities. She worries about other children being affected by arthritis and is committed to lobbying for increased funding for arthritis research and treatment," said Ken Sharp.
Time and expense is another burden faced by families. Medication alone can cost thousands per year. With fewer than 200 pediatric rheumatologists in the
"It's simply unacceptable that so little federal money – just $40 per child – is spent on a disease that seriously affects so many kids," said Ken Sharp, Jenna's father. "Like other families going to the
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, the nation's
number-one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. Through the support of more than 600,000 volunteers, the foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. For more information, please call the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation at (513) 271-4545 or visit www.arthritis.org.
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How You Can Help
The Arthritis Foundation promotes government and private sector action to improve the lives of the 46 million American adults living with arthritis. But we need your help to get more government funding for arthritis research, to encourage early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, and to improve access to quality health care for everyone with arthritis.
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