By Ellie Windle | Corporate Partnerships Manager
Thank you so much for your support of Sparks’ pioneering children’s medical research. Your amazing generosity helps fund research to find better treatments and cures for childhood illnesses and to improve the quality of life of children with a range of medical conditions – from the most common illnesses to rare diseases.
Living with Childhood Arthritis – Joe’s Story
Joe was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (childhood arthritis) when he was six years old which left him unable to walk at times. Thanks to research and the development of a new medicine, he’s now a fit 14 year old who stars for his local football team.
“When I was six I had really painful joints which left me unable to walk. I remember being diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, it was really horrible. My Mum and Dad were shocked as arthritis is something that you think only old people get.
“I was in hospital for a few weeks, isolated away from my friends. I was put on a number of different drugs and steroids. One of them used to make me sick every time I took it.
At hospital I was told about a new medicine. It was a bit scary at first as it was brand new, but the alternative was daily injections so I was eager to try it!
“The difference the new medicine has made to my life is amazing. Friends that I’ve made over the last few years don’t even know I’ve got arthritis. I run around every weekend playing for my local football team and sometimes get to Arsenal games with my Dad.
“One of the best things about the new drug is it means I miss less school and seeing my friends. I want to work for the Police when I’m older. Research and this new drug has opened up these options for me. The work that Sparks funds is so important. It’s helping children like me all over the country and I’m so grateful.”
How Sparks is helping
Arthritis is a condition where the joints become inflamed, painful and stiff. There are estimated to be around 12,000 children living with it in the UK and if not well controlled, can lead to severe pain and disability.
Sparks’ research led by Professor Lucy Wedderburn’s team at the UCL Institute of Child Health are aiming to develop a simple test that will predict whether a child will respond well to medication for arthritis or not as well as when they can stop taking it. This will ensure they get access to the most effective treatment as quickly as possible.
Thank you so much for helping to change the lives of children like Joe.
Find out more about Sparks research projects into childhood conditions
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