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A Parliamentary Friends of Arthritis morning tea was held on Wednesday 18 March where politicians were informed about Juvenile Arthritis (JIA). We were joined by Annie Grindrod and her mother Robin, who shared with guests their personal experiences of the disease. Annie, now aged 15, was diagnosed with JIA when she was eight years old. Annie's story was both moving and encouraging.
Contrary to popular belief, arthritis is not simply an 'older person's disease'. It doesn't discriminate and infants as young as 18 months old can be diagnosed with it. JIA is an inflammatory disease and is often characterised as one of the auto immune diseases predominantly affecting the joints. Pain and stiffness affects most of these children and can have a dampening effect on their overall enjoyment of life.
However, with increased understanding of JIA and the development of new treatments, there has been a marked improvement in diagnosis and disease management. With accurate knowledge and a discreet helping hand, the child's path can be made easier so that they have a chance of getting the most from everything life has to offer.
For more information on JIA, Click here
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Reviewed and updated February 2011
From left: Diana Terry, Manager Stakeholder Relations, Medicines Australia
Kim Wight, Assistant Director, National Health Priorities Section, Department of Health and Ageing
Ainslie Cahill, CEO, Arthritis Australia
2. From left: Dr Brendan Nelson, MP
Peter Dutton, Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing
Dr Mona Marabani, President, Arthritis Australia
3. From left: The Hon Justine Elliot, MP, Minister for Ageing
Annie Grindrod and her mother Robin
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