The most common causes of chronic pain in children include musculoskeletal pain (like juvenile idiopathic arthritis), abdominal pain (often functional), and headaches.   The prevalence of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) affects an estimated 300,000 children in the United States.  The incidence or number of new cases per year is estimated at 4-14 per 100,000 children.  JIA can affect children of any age, from toddlers to teenagers, but the peak age of onset is between 2 and 4 years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.   

The cost of Treating JIA is directly related to the severity of disease with NSAIDs and DMARDs having minimal cost.  However, the use of Biologic agents can be significant as well as typically most effective. The total annual costs for a family of a patient with JIA are substantial, ranging from $1,122 to $44,832, with the highest dollar amounts spent on medication and medical appointments.  The sequential treatment starting with over the counter anti inflammatories and transitioning  to Biological agents typically takes 3-5 years and total remission of disease occurs in only 40-50% of children.

Funding Proposal:  Bayer Foundation proposes an initiative to financially support families in need of Biologic Agents in usually the 3rd to 5th year of treatment.  It is estimated that there are approximately 5-10,000 families in desperate need of financial support.  Therefore, the Bayer Foundation will look to raise $500,000 USD per year to support this initiative.

Plan 

• Initiate fundraising targeting small donors (friends & families of patients) as well as large Corporate and individual Sponsors. 

• Establish mutually supportive relationships with major clinics that specialize in treating advanced JIA. 

• Establish a review board of JIA experts to review and approve requests. 

• Once a minimum of $250,000 is raised, requests will be made to families