JIA and Me

Through Kids Arthritis I've been able to begin many life changing and Australian First Education and Support programs and events to the children, their families and children all over the world living with Juvenile Arthritis. 

This has only happened because of people just like you. Yes, you reading this blog but, what you're really doing is learning more about Juvenile Arthritis which now means you are now an advocate for this hidden yet common condition. 

There's one Australian First program that I'm really proud of. It's not our School Support Program or our Online Support Group. It's our Southern Support Group.

Why?

Well all I ever wanted and still want is to meet others living with Juvenile Arthritis, no matter their age or severity of the condition. Like thousands of others around the world, I just want to meet others like me. This is so I can share with them about my condition, my highs, lows and just know that someone else actually understands what I have to live with everyday!

I know I'm not alone as everyday I hear from children, their families and carers just looking to connect with others just like them. This is why Kids Arthritis Southern Support Group means so much to me.

What I would have given just to have a group like this growing up. I know it would have made a huge difference to my conditions.

If you're reading this and live with Juvenile Arthritis or know a family who does. Please invite them along to Kids Arthritis next FREE Support Group: www.facebook.com/events/241781209598283/

Not 'Just a Girl' Anymore.

November 26th, 2016 the last Kids Arthritis Board Meeting for 2016. 

Kids Arthritis Board Members.

Sarah Hammond, Arsene Iribuka, Marjorie Hammond, Jenny Bennett, Rhys Jarrett, Brett Freeman

At this time I'd just been nominated for Start Up Adelaide Volunteer of the Year and was waiting eagerly for the ceremony. We also took a moment to look back on how far as an organisation we'd come. Everything that we'd achieved in our first year as Australia's First and Leading organisation, Kids Arthritis. 

Start Up Adelaide Volunteer of the Year Award.
Brett Freeman, Sarah Hammond, Mathew O'Donorfrio.
                                                                                






We just held our second annual Christmas Celebration for children, their families and careers living with Juvenile Arthritis and looking forward to the afternoon as it was our Board Christmas Lunch, but volunteer afternoon tea.

                                                                                    Emily, Sarah, Arthur the Arthritis Bear, Lucy.

You could say I was pretty happy and we were all excited about what we've all achieved together to Change the way the World views Arthritis. When in fact it was just the beginning to the excitement that was coming in 2017!

Monday 23rd January, 2017. Australia Day South Australia Awards 2017.

The day I was named South Australian Young Citizen of the Year. Not just nominated, but actually won this prestigious award. 

It was a great feeling knowing that finally after 23 years of living thinking that not many cared about what I lived with and doing through Kids Arthritis, everyone finally wanted to know and help out! The phone didn't stop ringing and emails kept flowing with interviews, letters of support and most importantly. Children, their families and carers reaching out and sharing their story living with Juvenile Arthritis. 

The awards didn't stop there. Next came Mount Barker Young Citizen of the Year and Mayor's Achievement Award on Australia Day 2017!

The best part of all this?

Not only was my family there, but supporters of Kids Arthritis and children who live with Juvenile Arthritis. This is extra special because these awards are not for me. They're for the 1 in 1000 Children in Australia living with Juvenile Arthritis. Everything that I do in my life is for them. For their families and careers as well. As I don't want any child, family or carers living the way I had to growing up.

To watch the videos or see everyone's smiles at both these exciting events, please head here: www.facebook.com/kidsarthritis

Just remember that "the ones who are crazy enough to change the world, are the ones that do."