Remember our children with arthritis on Te Rā O Te Tamariki

26 February 2014

Remember our children with arthritis on Te Rā O Te Tamariki

Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby called on Kiwis to think about children who are living with arthritis this Sunday, which is Te Rā O Te Tamariki (Children’s Day), and is celebrated every year on the first Sunday in March. The Theme is ‘Treasure our Children’.

“There are 1,000 children in New Zealand who are living with arthritis,” Ms Kirby said. “So the popular view that arthritis is an ‘old person’s disease’ is entirely wrong.”

This weekend, more than 75 children and caregivers will be at this year’s Arthritis New Zealand Children’s Camp at the beautiful Totara Springs Camp near Matamata. The children who are attending this year’s camp have been recently diagnosed with a form of arthritis. There will be a range of activities for children. It will give them the opportunity to meet others living with arthritis.

“Raising awareness of children living with arthritis, and supporting them and their families, is very important for us”, Ms Kirby concluded. “Because arthritis can strike anyone, at any age.”

Arthritis New Zealand is the national organisation focussed on raising awareness of the more than 140 different forms of arthritis, advocating for those with the condition, and providing advice and support.

About Arthritis New Zealand
• Arthritis New Zealand is a national organisation whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of people who are affected by arthritis.
• There are 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis.
• There are 1,000 children in NZ with arthritis
• There are more than 140 different forms of arthritis of which osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent.
• Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in our country, and there is no cure. It can affect anyone, at any age, at any time.
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of disability in NZ affecting 1 in 4
• Arthritis New Zealand receives only 12 per cent of its funding from government agencies. Without the generosity of our donors and volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to help those who live with the pain of arthritis every day.
• Arthritis New Zealand is the leader in the provision of awareness, education, services and advocacy for arthritis in New Zealand.

arthritis.org.nz

ENDS

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