Having your child diagnosed with a chronic, unfamiliar rheumatic disease can be overwhelming, confusing and scary. The good news is – you are not alone!
On Tuesday, March 28th, you will have the chance to walk and talk your way through what to expect in the first 12 months after diagnosis alongside other families who are in the same stage of learning about and coming to terms with their child’s condition.
Guided by Dr. Nadia Luca, Pediatric Rheumatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, you’ll get the chance to discuss topics such as medications/injections, communicating your child’s needs at school, and what support you can expect to receive from your pediatric rheumatology team.
You’ll also hear from a parent and youth speaker about the importance of finding a support system and tips they’ve learned along the way to help themselves and their family cope, and even thrive, within their new reality.
As always, this session will be offered live in both English and French! Bring your question for our live Q+A!
Registration Now Open!
Session Speakers:
Dr. Nadia Luca, Pediatric Rheumatologist, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Dr. Luca is a Pediatric Rheumatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and recently made the move from Alberta Children’s Hospital. Completing her medical degree in 2006, Dr. Luca went on to pediatric residency and fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. She also holds an MSc in Health Services Research and Clinical Epidemiology, and is an active mentor and lecturer to students and residents. Currently, she serves as the vice-chair of the Pediatrics Executive Committee for the Canadian Rheumatology Association.
In addition to being a recurring speaker within the Virtual Education Series, Dr. Luca also sits on our medical advisory committee.
Abby Leschyson, Parent Speaker, Winnipeg, MB
Over the past 12 months, Abby, her daughter Rosalie, and their whole family have experienced major change. In 2022, at age 6 Rosalie was diagnosed with JA. Together they have had to learn to expect the unexpected – such as medication fit, side-effects and needle fears – while also learning the importance of finding a community of support and getting involved. Abby hopes that by sharing her family’s story, she can raise awareness about juvenile arthritis and let other families know that they are not alone in their journey with JA and other childhood rheumatic diseases. Read Abby and Rosalie’s full story here.
Sophie Finn, Youth Speaker, Langley, BC
Sophie is a grade 12 student living in Langley, BC, and was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) – a rare rheumatic disease – in 2017. She enjoys being engaged in her community; in addition to being a 2022/23 C+F Youth Ambassador, she also serves as president of her high school’s graduation committee, is on two leadership committees, and coaches kids’ soccer (Sophie herself has 10 years of soccer experience under her belt). Sophie is currently working on her university applications and plans to study business or political science which she feels are aligned with her desire to both continue learning and serve as a leader in her community. Read Sophie’s full story here.
