Finding Connection, Confidence & Hope at the 2026 JA Family Summit 

By Anthony Williams | August 13, 2026 

For families living with juvenile arthritis (JA), knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference. At the Arthritis Foundation’s 2026 JA Family Summit, families from across the country came together to learn, share, laugh and find support from people who understand the realities of raising a child with JA — or growing up with it themselves. 

Held July 16 to 19 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Summit welcomed participants from 38 states, including 363 first-time attendees. For one first-time JA family, the weekend brought a mix of practical information and emotions that many families know well. “We arrived hoping to better understand what the future might look like for Max — and that we did,” the parent shared. “I'll be honest: Sometimes it was a little scary.” 

Through sessions and conversations with more experienced parents, the family learned about insurance and pharmacy considerations, biologics and biosimilars, comorbidities, terminology and caring for the whole family. But some of the most meaningful moments happened outside the meeting rooms. 

“Watching older JA kids and siblings running around, laughing, connecting and simply being kids reminded me that there is so much joy ahead,” a parent shared. “And that if and when we encounter harder chapters, we won’t be navigating them alone.” That sense of connection was at the heart of the 2026 JA Family Summit. 

JA Family Summit: A place to learn — and belong 

Throughout the weekend, parents and caregivers had opportunities to learn from healthcare professionals, JA experts and other families. Popular sessions covered topics like pain management, JA medications and remission, building connections with other JA families and preventing burnout. General sessions focused on the Arthritis Foundation’s commitment to juvenile arthritis and helping families become stronger advocates for themselves and their children. 

The impact of that learning and connection was clear in the post-Summit survey results. 

• 84% learned something new.
• 83% feel more connected to other JA families.
• 74% learned about new resources to support their child and family.
• 69% learned how to better support their child’s mental health.

The JA Family Summit also worked to ensure more families could fully participate. Bilingual resources, live Spanish interpretation and a dedicated Language & Cultural Inclusivity planning committee helped strengthen the Summit’s accessibility and cultural inclusivity. 

Growing up together 

The JA Family Summit is designed to meet participants where they are — from young children discovering that other kids understand their experiences to young adults navigating life beyond pediatric care. 

Children participated in hands-on activities that encouraged friendship, confidence and resilience. At the popular Panda Bear Clinic, pediatric rheumatology professionals led interactive stations focused on areas such as rheumatology, pharmacy, play therapy and phlebotomy, giving children a fun introduction to the healthcare team involved in their care. Children also explored emotions, courage and connection through storytelling sessions with special guest Audrey Penn, author of the children’s book, The Kissing Hand, and enjoyed an interactive animal experience. 

For high school students, programming focused on preparing for the future, including transitioning to adult care, building independence, navigating mental health and social connections and finding their voices as advocates. Creative workshops and dedicated social activities gave teens opportunities to express themselves and strengthen friendships. 

Young adults explored topics ranging from healthcare transition and careers to college, relationships and independence. Peer-led discussions created space for honest conversations about dating, friendships and family dynamics, while storytelling activities encouraged resilience, self-advocacy and reflection. 

Across every age group, the message was clear: Life with JA may come with challenges, but no one has to face them alone. 

Celebrating the JA community 

The JA Family Summit also celebrated people who make a difference in the lives of those affected by JA through the Arthritis Foundation JA Awards of Excellence. This year’s honorees were: 

• Parent Leadership Award: Bree Fredrickson 
• Earl Brewer Award for Physician Leadership: Johanna Chang, MD 
• Patty Rettig Award for Healthcare Professional Leadership: Clare Peckenpaugh, BSN, RN 
• Dawn Hafeli Award for Youth Leadership: Harper C. 
• Arthritis Foundation Young Adult Leadership Award: Quinn Watercutter 
• Steve & Liz Smith Legacy Award: Dr. Jessica and Dan Auslander 

The extended weekend also made plenty of room for families to simply enjoy being together. Family Carnival Night offered an evening of play and celebration, while the Indy Air Bears Jump Rope Team brought energy and fun to Friday’s luncheon. 

A community that understands 

For families new to JA, the road ahead can feel uncertain. For families who have been living with JA for years, there can still be moments when they need information, encouragement or a reminder that others understand. The JA Family Summit provides a place for both. 

“You created a place where our family could become better informed, see a hopeful future and feel deeply understood,” one participant said. Another parent appreciated that the Summit recognized the needs of the entire family — not only children with JA, but also their siblings and parents. 

That whole-family approach is one of the reasons the Summit continues to grow. This year, the Arthritis Foundation provided more than $150,000 in travel assistance, helping 57 families — 187 participants — attend the Summit by covering hotel, travel and registration expenses. Travel support was also provided to 22 planning committee leads. As attendance continues to grow and demand remains high, the Arthritis Foundation will look for ways to expand the Summit’s reach while preserving the welcoming, personal experience families value. 

Ultimately, the JA Family Summit is about more than sessions, resources or even four days together. It’s about finding people who understand. It’s about gaining confidence for the road ahead. And it’s about seeing, perhaps for the first time, a community where children can be children, teens can be themselves, young adults can envision their futures — and families can know they aren’t navigating life with JA alone. 

Save the date for our next JA Family Summit: July 8 to 11, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri.