Families Living with Rheumatic Diseases

Families Living with Rheumatic Diseases is a unique and dynamic program that provides education and therapeutic support to children, adolescents, and parents. We provide a safe and fun environment where children and families can learn more about their conditions, share experiences, and learn to live successfully with a chronic illness.

The program hosts regular interactive sessions, each focusing on a specific aspect of life with a rheumatic illness. Topics include transition, schools, coping, self-esteem, nutrition and more. Patients are able to meet other young adults who have grown up with their condition as well as nutrition experts, doctors, and more.

Families are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions.

Please contact us for more information.

Program History

Families Living with Rheumatic Diseases started in 2009 through a collaboration between Children's Hospital Los Angeles Division of Rheumatology and LupusLA. We brought together physicians, nurses, social workers, child psychologists, and community organizations to create a program that would address the needs of children with rheumatic diseases.

We are grateful for generous grant support from the Arthritis Foundation in 2010 to expand the program to provide support and education to more children, teens and families.

Our program continues to evolve and grow based on our families’ feedback. Our goal is to serve as a resource to families throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.