There is little public awareness of pediatric rheumatic diseases, in part because their chronic nature makes them less visible and more difficult to comprehend than many conditions with more obvious signs. Even when rheumatic diseases are active, during what's called a "flare-up" or "flare," the inflammation is not always evident to the casual observer.
JAA believes that raising awareness about pediatric rheumatic diseases is the first step to increasing funding, training more specialists, and advancing research for treatments and a cure.
JAA's Flare is a symbol to represent what our kids endure -- an outward sign of pain that often goes unseen. The Flare also represents a signal flare – a call for awareness and assistance in our fight. It is our sincere hope that JAA's Flare shines a much-needed light on pediatric rheumatic diseases, so that the kids they affect can shine brightly in their own right.