COVID-19: For more information and support on COVID-19 please visit sacoronavirus.co.za
FOR PARENTS
Are you raising a child with arthritis? You’re not alone! Click here for info, expert advice, and stories from patients and other parents.
FOR SCHOOLS
Do you have a pupil with JIA? Click here to book a school talk, get answers to FAQs, and ask for help.
FOR DOCTORS
Suspect your patient has arthritis? Click here for musculoskeletal assessment tools, referral info, and an overview of JIA in South Africa.
Welcome to Arthritis Kids South Africa
Between 19,000 and 75,000 South African children are estimated to suffer from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The majority are undiagnosed or receiving inadequate treatment. South Africa has no patient registry and only ten paediatric rheumatologists across the whole country. The situation demands dedicated focus to ensure meaningful changes to this reality.
We exist to ensure that no child in South Africa suffers unnecessary pain and disability from undiagnosed or untreated JIA.
us
objectives
team
projects
us
About us
Arthritis Kids South Africa was started by Diane Crossman in 2009. Di’s daughter had just been diagnosed with JIA and she found herself needing more information about the disease and wanting contact with parents in similar circumstances. By 2016, having invested thousands of hours into supporting parents and advocating for children with arthritis, Di and her crew, which by then included her daughter, were ready to take a break.
The current team of volunteers took over in 2017. Our board comprises paediatric rheumatologists and parents of children with arthritis, balancing the medical aspects of a chronic disease with the realities of living with one. Our daily interaction with children affected by this disease fuels our commitment to achieving our objectives.
objectives
Educate
Awareness of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is understandably low among the general population. Unfortunately, this is also true for people who interact with children regularly, including teachers, sports coaches, and even some GPs, paediatricians, and allied health professionals like physiotherapists.
To find, diagnose and treat JIA, we first need to address this lack of awareness.
Advocate
We speak on behalf of JIA patients and their families when they can’t. 25% of children with JIA will be resistant to standard treatments and will require an advanced medication called a biologic to manage their disease effectively; this is currently almost impossible in the public sector. Adding biologics to the Essential Medicines Lists across the country is a crucial advocacy project.
Other projects include engaging government to train additional paediatric rheumatologists and ensuring better access to essential allied healthcare services (i.e. physiotherapy).
Support
Arthritis Kids SA works to enable patients and parents to navigate their new reality and to access support within communities and schools. We do this by compiling and supplying relevant information and through digital and real-life support channels.
Supported families don’t feel alone and are better able to cope emotionally and mentally.
Our daily interaction with children affected by this disease fuels our commitment to achieving our objectives.
team
– The board –
Meet our team
Catherine McCormack
– Volunteer Mom –
Catherine is committed full time to Arthritis Kids SA and is the “force behind the cause”.
Catherine’s daughter was diagnosed with JIA in 2010.
Laura Tomasella
– Volunteer Mom –
Laura is an executive coach by profession. She never takes no for an answer and has proved invaluable in accessing support for AKSA.
Laura’s son was diagnosed with JIA in 2017.
Mandy Eckstein
– Volunteer Mom –
Mandy is a graphic designer by profession. In addition to overall support, Mandy is the artist behind AKSA’s design work.
Mandy’s daughter was diagnosed with JIA in 2006.
Dr Gail Faller
– Paediatric Rheumatologist –
A paediatric rheumatologist in both private and public practice and instrumental in establishing the original Arthritis Kids SA & recruiting new volunteers. Without Gail’s efforts, the NPC would not exist.
Dr Bhadrish Mistry
– Paediatric Rheumatologist –
Bhadrish is a paediatric rheumatologist in public and private practice. He approaches his patients’ care holistically with the hope to make a difference in the lives of the children for whom he cares.
Dr Priya Ambaram
– Paediatric Rheumatologist –
Priya is a paediatric rheumatologist in public and private practice. She is passionate about creating awareness about arthritis in children and committed to supporting JIA families.
James McCormack
– Legal Advisor –
James studied law at WITS and works in private equity. He is a dad to an arthritis child and a passionate supporter of Arthritis Kids SA.
Byron Billett
– Financial Advisor –
Byron is a CA and tax expert working for a large corporate. His skills and experience add exceptional value to the AKSA team.
This could be you!
– Contact Us –
Get in contact with us to find out how you can become part of the team.
Our Moms
Our Doctors
Our Advisors
projects
– In action –
Our projects
Transport fund
Children with JIA must have access to their doctors as often as required. Financial constraints make this impossible for some families. We run a small transport fund that reimburses parents for travel costs to and from clinic appointments.
Chickenpox vaccination drive
Chickenpox poses a specific risk to children on certain JIA treatments. Their best defence is two doses of the varicella-zoster vaccine, which is not freely available in South Africa.
Translation
Up until recently, information about JIA was only available in English. We have translated some of our support material to isiZulu, Sepedi, and Afrikaans, allowing parents to learn about their child’s disease in a language of their choice.
- Information -
Raising a child with JIA
This guide is a useful introduction to raising a child with juvenile arthritis.
Raising a child with JIA
This guide is a useful introduction to raising a child with juvenile arthritis.
Living with JIA
Beyond the meds and the doctor appointments: what is it like to raise a child with JIA?
Understanding Autoimmunity
Frequently asked questions about JIA and raising a child with the disease.
Treatments and Therapies
An overview of the medicines, therapies, and support a child with JIA may encounter.
Symptoms and Complications
Beyond the meds and the doctor appointments: what is it like to raise a child with JIA?
Diet and Nutrition
Why a Paediatric rheumatologist
JIA and the Flu Vaccine
Protecting your child from unnecessary infections can potentially prevent a flare of symptoms.
JIA and Chicken Pox
Chicken pox poses specific risks for children with JIA and the vaccination needs to be carefully timed.
JIA and COVID-19
How does COVID-19 impact children with JIA? What do you need to aware of?
Jeannie Cavé
A diagnosis of JIA can be overwhelming and stressful. Play therapy can help children process their emotions.
Natalie Phillips
Natalie explains what a biokineticist does and how they might help a child with JIA.
Kirby Emslie
Occupational therapy helps children with JIA who have been impacted physically to participate in daily life.
Nicky Lasch
Paediatric neuro-developmental physiotherapists have specialised training that is suited to younger children with JIA.
Michelle Crossman
Michelle was diagnosed when she was nine years old and was the inspiration to Arthritis Kids South Africa.
Catherine McCormack
I’ve been an arthritis mom since 2010 when my then two-year-old was diagnosed with JIA
Ella McCormack
In 2021 Ella is twelve and on her third biologic. She is healthy, symptom-free, and suffers no side effects.
Mkhanyiselwa's Story
Mkhanyiselwa had been sick for five months by the time he was seen, by chance, by a paediatric rheumatologist
Troy's Story
Success story: an early diagnosis, swift action by an appropriate medical specialist, and aggressive treatment.
- Interviews -
Voices of experience
