Improving the lives of children with juvenile arthritis through ‘Camp Twinkletoes’

Throughout NSW, there are more than 6,000 children suffering from the extreme pain and fatigue of juvenile arthritis. Usually thought of as an ‘older persons’ disease, arthritis in children is a very real condition, and in extreme cases can even result in death.

Parents dealing with a child with juvenile arthritis face a wide variety of challenges and problems, often struggling for help and advice, given the condition's low profile. Here at Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW we are constantly working on ways to help and support those children and families affected by such an awful disease.

How are we supporting those families in need you ask? Through Camp Twinkletoes!

Twinkletoes is a weekend camp for children aged 8 and under, living with forms of juvenile arthritis. Each year we invite children and families affected by this painful disease to attend Twinkletoes and help them learn about their disease and improve their quality of life.

Held at the special campsite at Stanwell Tops our families can meet to share personal stories and struggles, get support and advice, learn new skills on disease management and strengthen the bond in our expanding juvenile arthritis network within NSW.

Twinkletoes is the perfect setting for young children to be educated about their juvenile arthritis, equipping them with skills and increasing their confidence and self-esteem. Twinkletoes is the place for lifelong friendships to blossom as the children see they are as normal as the other children who attend.

Thanks to the funds generated each year from William’s Walk we are able to heavily subsidise the cost of Twinkletoes for the families. William’s Walk, now in its 4th year, was started to raise awareness of juvenile arthritis and to remember 6-year-old William Harris, who tragically passed away due to his arthritis complications. Lauren Harris, William's mother, explains the importance of drawing attention to juvenile arthritis and the work of Camp Twinkletoes and William's Walk.

“Many people don’t know that kids can suffer from arthritis too. Nobody will ever truly understand the pain of watching their five-year-old son crawl up the hallway because he couldn’t walk.

“Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is working hard to find ways so that in the future, no mother should feel the agony of watching their child suffer due to the debilitating effects of juvenile arthritis or tragically losing their child to this awful disease,” said Lauren.

Each year Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW, our loyal supporters along with the Harris family walk to remember William and raise much-needed funds so we can send more children and families to Camp Twinkletoes.

Want to help? Sign up now to William’s Walk 2015 (www.williamswalk.org.au) and help raise funds so more families can get help and support with juvenile arthritis.