Pen Pal Program

Texas Juvenile Arthritis Program

	The Parent-to-Parent Texas JA Network links parents of children newly diagnosed with juvenile arthritis to provide support and encouragement. Upon calling the Texas Chapter, parents are connected with other parents of children near the same age, and the same geographic area.
	The American Juvenile Arthritis Organization (AJAO) is a council of the Arthritis Foundation that serves the special needs of children and youth with childhood rheumatic diseases and their families. The AJAO provides information and support through educational and social programs. Click here to learn more.
	This summer's American Juvenile Arthritis Organization National Conference – July 13-16, 2006 at the Omni Hotel/CNN Center in Atlanta, GA. Families and Young Adults from all over the country will be meeting new friends, catching up with old ones and learning about medicine, educational rights, exercise and different types of juvenile arthritis. There will be something for everyone. Limited scholarships may be available, to apply for available scholarships. Click here to learn more.
	In Texas, there are three sites that have a pediatric rheumatologist (someone who is trained in pediatrics and the subspecialty of pediatric rheumatology) on staff. Click here to learn more.
	The Arthritis Foundation, Texas Chapter offers many opportunities for families to be involved. Exercise programs such as Aquatics, Land, and Tai Chi for Arthritis, or special events such as our Arthritis Walk, or the Jingle Bell Run are held throughout the year.
	The Arthritis Foundation Pen Pal Program provides the opportunity for children with juvenile arthritis or a related condition to make a new friend and share feelings and experiences. Children sign up by filling out a questionnaire and are assigned a pen pal with similar interests. They might even get to write to a pen pal out of state!
	To learn more about the 2008 Texas Arthritis Walk Heroes, click here.

Texas Chapter

Texas Juvenile Arthritis Program