iCAN laugh and learn a great sucess

A very impressive line up of speakers for the morning session.

Chairperson Wendy Costello welcomed the group and introduced the first speaker, Dr Clodagh Lowry, Consultant Paediatric Rheumatologist in Temple Street Children's Hospital. Our second speaker was Norma O' Keeffe, a pain management nurse from Temple Street Children's Hospital. Both speakers gave professional and informative talks and held lively Q&A sessions after their talks. Our last speaker, Jaye Kinsella, an iCan Mentor, is a young woman who spoke extensively on her life growing up with Juvenile Arthritis which she has been living with since the age of 12.

A very successful morning was followed by lunch, with both groups being well catered for.

After lunch the children were again off to enjoy a vast range of activities, including archery, swimming, football and basketball. The parents returned for talks by Marie Morgan, Senior Physiotherapist, OLCHC and Anne o' Carroll Occupational Therapist at Temple Street Children's Hospital. Again the talks were of the highest standard, packed with information and tips for parents about the day to day management of their JIA children. The day was brought to a close by DCA Warrior Margaret Fox, who as a parent of a child with EDS was really on the same page as everyone in the room and gave valuable tips and hints on dealing with the system.

Teens group out on their own.

Also in the afternoon the teenagers that were present held a separate discussion group, chaired by Fianait. This was a chance for these young adults to throw out ideas about what they need from iCAN and how they can help each other cope with the transition from a child with JIA to an adult with JIA. This was a new venture for all involved and was a great success with the teens being able to speak freely and receive advice from JIA mentors who have already travelled the road they now face.

Another great day for iCAN.

Another feather in the iCAN cap, with great feedback from parents, teens and the children who had a ball all day long.