Rheumatic disease is one of the most common chronic illnesses of childhood. Rheumatic disease (often referred to as Juvenile Arthritis or JA) includes any form of arthritis that develops in children and teens under the age of 17. There are about 5,000 children in the Metropolitan Washington area living with a form of JA. The symptoms vary with each child, but commonly include pain, swelling, fatigue and joint deformities that affect a child's growth and result in a lifetime of disability. Minor to severe functional limitations can interfere with everyday tasks such as dressing, grooming, playing or even walking and running. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment is critical to slowing down and preventing joint damage and disability in children with juvenile arthritis.

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