Arthritis Life

“Camp is Where She Can Be Herself:” The importance of Community with JIA

Episode Summary

Growing up with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can be very isolating. From pain and fatigue to doctors appointments, children with JIA often miss out on “typical” childhood experiences such as summer camps.

Episode Notes

In this episode, parents Leeza Broome and Courtney Bruce share why arthritis-specific summer camps have been such a lifeline to their families over the years. As volunteers, they helped start the very first Pacific Northwest family camp for kids with arthritis, “KAT-Fish Camp,” which has historically been put on by the Arthritis Foundation. 

Cheryl also shares her experiences volunteering at the camp. All three speakers share their favorite camp memories from the last two decades and explore the importance of community and belonging in chronic illness communities.

Episode at a glance:

• Diagnosis story: Courtney shares her daughter’s diagnosis story at 18 months, which started with a swollen knee and a misdiagnosis.
• Diagnosis story: Leeza shares her son’s diagnosis story, which started with difficulty getting out of the toddler bed and swollen fingers.
• Why is it important to have family camps for kids with juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Leeza and Courtney share what they’ve learned in the parent education sessions, from advocacy to emotional tips for coping with injecting a child who’s afraid of needles. Cheryl, Leeza and Courtney explore the emotions that parents, children with JIA and siblings experience at these camps including: relief, shared anger at similar negative experiences people have gone through, envy, hope and more.
• Favorite camp memories: all three speakers share their favorite memories, from S’Mores and campfire songs to talent shows.
• Where can you sign up to volunteer at a camp or attend one? Links below!

Medical disclaimer:

All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Episode Sponsors

Rheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in September 2022!

Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap, a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.

Full Episode Details, Links plus Transcript:

Go to the show page on the Arthritis Life website.