Family resources
Parent support group
The Rheumatology Parent Support Group
of
Greater Chicago was started in the spring of 1996 to help the
families of children with rheumatic and associated diseases. It is a
not-for-profit organization of parents and children that meets monthly to
support each other and our children. The goals of the Parent Support Group are
to be advocates, educators, and supporters for the children and each other.
Topics such as insurance, health care, school, accessibility, stress of
a chronic illness, etc. are discussed, along with any related issues that
parents would like to bring up. This group is for parents and children alike,
but the actual meetings are for parents, by parents.
Meetings are held monthly on Saturday mornings at alternating locations
throughout Chicagoland. Childcare is also provided. Peggy and John, a couple who
have 2 daughters with juvenile arthritis, started the support group. If you
would like to join the group or have any questions, please call Peggy or John at
815.337.8223 or Patricia at 847.816.8965.
Camp JAM
Camp JAM is a weekend retreat for children ages 8-17 years
who have any form of a rheumatological disease, including JRA, fibromyalgia,
lupus, and juvenile dermatomyositis. A good time was had by all at Camp JAM '99.
We had 49 campers, ages 8-17 years, enjoy 3 days of swimming, boating, arts and
crafts, hiking, pony rides, hayrides, archery, and climbing the 50-foot alpine
climbing tower. Most importantly though, the campers enjoyed the friendships
they made with fellow campers and staff. Camp JAM is sponsored by The Arthritis
Foundation.
Contact The Arthritis Foundation at http://www.arthritis.org.