Building Community for Young People with Juvenile Arthritis
The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation was created by a teen who understands what it's like to navigate JIA without a built-in support system. We're here to change that.
What Drives Us
The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation exists to support young people living with juvenile arthritis through community building, shared experiences, and education. We believe that JIA doesn't have to limit your life—and when you have the right support, you can continue pursuing the things that matter to you.
We focus specifically on youth because young people with JIA face unique challenges: navigating school accommodations, explaining your condition to friends, staying active when your body doesn't always cooperate, and figuring out how to plan for your future. Unlike other arthritis organizations that serve all age groups, we center our work entirely on the experiences of children and teenagers.
Our goals are simple
Share real stories and practical advice from teens who are living with JIA right now
Raise awareness about juvenile arthritis so young people’s voices are heard
Support research and initiatives that improve treatment and outcomes for kids with JIA
Why We Started
Jonah Schwartz founded The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation after being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 12 years old. Like many kids getting that diagnosis, he felt lost. He didn't know anyone else his age dealing with the same thing, and he didn't know where to turn for support beyond his doctors.
What he wanted most was simple: a community of friends and peers going through the same situation who he could lean on during challenging times. People who understood why some days were harder than others, why certain activities suddenly felt impossible, and what it was like to feel different from everyone around you.
Over the years, Jonah learned how to manage his JIA. He found the right medication, continued working hard in school, and even took up water polo—where he's now a Junior Olympic player. But he never forgot that feeling of isolation when he was first diagnosed.
The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation was born from that experience. Jonah firmly believes that JIA is not the end of the world and that by bringing young people together, they can rise above their condition and support each other in ways that adults sometimes can't.
Outside of his work with The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation, Jonah is currently a ninth grader at Mamaroneck High School in Westchester, NY, where he spends time with friends and family when he's not advocating for JIA awareness.
Why Youth-Focused Matters
There are many organizations working on arthritis research and awareness, and we're grateful for their work. But most arthritis organizations focus on adults or serve all age groups together. The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation is different because we're built specifically for young people—by someone who's been there.
We understand that living with JIA as a teenager comes with challenges that adults might not think about: How do you explain to your teacher why you can't write for long periods? How do you keep playing the sports you love when your joints hurt? How do you talk to your friends about why you can't always keep up?
This foundation is about creating the community and support system that doesn’t always exist. It's peer-to-peer, youth-centered, and focused on empowerment rather than limitation.
Join Us
Whether you're living with JIA yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to learn more, you're welcome here. Explore our resources, connect with the community, or reach out if you have questions.