Fighting JIA together!

Here at Juvenile Arthritis Research, we are a young dynamic charity. We began only 6 years ago and have already been making a big difference to the lives of those affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). 

You may have heard the well-known saying that "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." And for too many years we'd witnessed that happening in the world of JIA, leading to awareness levels remaining low and children and young people not being diagnosed promptly as a result of that low awareness. 

We set out 6 years ago to do things differently. To try things that hadn't been done before in the field of JIA across all areas of our work; Research, Awareness and Support. By being brave enough to do things differently we're hopeful of making real progress in the fight against JIA and one day seeing a world where no child has to suffer from arthritis. 

So when we hear of others raising awareness in innovative ways, it is music to our ears. We were so delighted to receive these photos of Ray Kelly's new fight kit featuring our logo to raise awareness. 

Here's what Ray told us:

Hi, my name is Ray Kelly. My 7 year old son Kian was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis two years ago when he was just 5 years old. 

From that moment on it has been a real battle as most parents with children in this situation will know. It’s hard at times but my son is my inspiration if he can get through life with JIA, with weekly injections and all those hospital visits then I will try and raise awareness and help with donations as much as I can. 

I do boxing as a hobby and I have a semi-professional British title coming up so I decided to dedicate my new fight kit to my son and all the other kids supported by Juvenile Arthritis Research.

 My son Kian is the real warrior! If I can help raise awareness for this horrible disease that haunts our kids, I will!! 

Here’s to all the real champions out there; children with JIA!💪🥊💜 

Ray