A Joint Effort for JRA

Hey everyone! This is our story.

A Joint Effort for JRA is a campaign created by Kaylee O'Brien and Ipek Aydin to raise awareness and funds for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Our mission is to support research efforts and ultimately find a cure for JRA, which currently affects approximately 50,000 children in the United States.

In August of 2023, after several doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions, Kaylee was diagnosed with JRA. This diagnosis has significantly impacted her life in numerous ways. As Kaylee's best friend, classmate, and teammate, Ipek witnessed firsthand how the condition affected her ability to participate in everyday activities, including tasks as simple as driving and engaging in sports. Observing Kaylee's struggles motivated Ipek to get involved and make a meaningful impact in the JRA community.

Currently, there is no known cure for JRA, and the road to better treatments remains long and uncertain. We believe that increased funding for research is crucial to advancing our understanding of this condition and finding a cure.

Through A Joint Effort for JRA, we aim to raise the funds necessary to support these research initiatives. We are determined to contribute to the efforts to combat this debilitating condition and improve the lives of those affected.