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The Pediatric Rheumatology Shortage: What’s a Juvenile Arthritis Patient to Do? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Approximately 300,000 American children and teens live with juvenile arthritis – that’s about 1 in 250. Yes – you read that correctly: 1 in 250 kids suffers from arthritis. If that number isn’t eye-opening enough, check out this staggering statistic: there are only 250 active and board certified pediatric rheumatologists in the United States. Unfortunately, … Continue reading

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Back to School with Juvenile Arthritis: Some Patient Resources & Personal Thoughts – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

So, a new school year is beginning, and your child or teen has Juvenile Arthritis. How can you better prepare them for “back-to-school?” Juvenile Arthritis in its various forms affects approximately 300,000 children, teens, and young adults in the United States and is a common – though under-diagnosed – childhood condition. While there are many types, Juvenile … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Social Media for Support: E-Patients Using the Internet to Cope with Arthritis & Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Support groups are a great way to cope with illness or disability. In today’s world, online support groups and social networks are a great way to belong to a health community where you can interact with others who “get” what you are going through. Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and even Pinterest offer patients the chance to … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized

“Ashley Goes to Washington!” – Advocating for Arthritis: You Can Do It Too! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Recently, I took part in the American College of Rheumatology ACR Advocates conference in Washington, D.C. In the past, I’d done a lot of Arthritis Foundation e-advocacy events online, but this time when I was asked to speak to Congress and advocate for arthritis, I simply couldn’t pass it up. So, with my mom as … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Fibromyalgia / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

There’s Always Rheum to Be Social! Online Support for Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Many folks with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, myositis, and other related rheumatic conditions may have a hard time getting “out and about” to socialize. Friendships and relationships may take a toll; some are unable to work or attend school any longer. So, to avoid the isolation, loneliness, and depression that can often come with a disability … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories

NASCAR Driver Todd Peck Brings Awareness to Juvenile Arthritis – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Todd Peck, born in January 1986, has already been racing for 12 – yes, 12! – years, since the young age of 14. This NASCAR driver, who hails out of Central Pennsylvania, is part of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, and made his debut in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East at the Greenville Pickens Speedway in … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Types of Arthritis

The Juvenile Arthritis Conference is Underway! by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Arthritis is Unacceptable….and Juvenile Arthritis is even more Unacceptable! Did you know that Kids Get Arthritis, Too? Every year, the Arthritis Foundation organizes a national Juvenile Arthritis Conference during the month of July, which is JA Awareness Month. Over 300,000 children in the United States live with a form of Juvenile Arthritis, and it is … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

A Nation Unaware: We Need To Increase Juvenile Arthritis Awareness – by Ashley Boynes

“She’s just a hypochondriac.” “He’s lying.” “It’s all in their head. They just want attention.” “You’re faking!” “Oh,  you’re too young for arthritis.” These are all phrases that children and teens with juvenile arthritis will, unfortunately, come across many times during the course of their lives and their illness. Even the adults that these kids … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness – by Ashley Boynes

In honor of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which was last week, I’ve decided to take part in their meme, “30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness” since I live with arthritis and other “invisible” conditions. This is an initiative that hundreds of “chronically ill” people are taking part in, positing on … Continue reading