The Kansas Arthritis Foundation invites you to JA Family Day at the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Faulkner’s Ranch in Kansas City. This joyful, low-stress morning is designed for kids living with juvenile arthritis (JA), their siblings, parents, and caregivers to connect, swap tips, and simply have fun together in a welcoming space.
We’ll have fresh donuts and cider for everyone, and kids can get creative at our pumpkin-decorating craft table. The ranch offers plenty of room to stroll, chat, and meet other JA families in an easygoing fall setting. Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required by Wednesday, October 8. Register at www.arthritis.org or call 800-283-7800 for details.
Event Schedule (Oct 11)
- 10:00 a.m. – Check-in, donuts & cider, welcome table
- 10:15 a.m. – Icebreaker & family introductions
- 10:30 a.m. – Kids’ pumpkin-decorating craft (supplies provided)
- 11:15 a.m. – Family networking & ranch time
- 11:50 a.m. – Wrap-up & resources to take home
- 12:00 p.m. – Farewell
About the Organization & Impact
The Arthritis Foundation’s Kansas City team supports children and adults managing arthritis through education, advocacy, research funding, and family programming like JA camps and connection groups. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., affecting about 1 in 4 adults nationwide and an estimated 300,000 children with juvenile arthritis. Beyond pain and stiffness, JA can affect school, sports, and social life—making peer support and informed care essential. Locally, the Foundation connects families to specialists, school accommodations resources, and evidence-based self-management tools.
Upcoming Arthritis Foundation Webinars (October–December 2025)
Free, virtual, and family-friendly. Register at www.arthritis.org or via 800-283-7800.
- Oct 15 (7:00–7:45 p.m.) – JA 101: Understanding Diagnoses, Meds & Monitoring
- Oct 29 (7:00–8:00 p.m.) – School Success: 504/IEP Basics, PE Modifications & Attendance
- Nov 6 (12:15–12:55 p.m.) – Lunch & Learn: Pain Coping Skills for Kids & Caregivers
- Nov 19 (7:00–8:00 p.m.) – Fueling Less Inflammation: Practical Nutrition for JA
- Dec 3 (7:00–7:45 p.m.) – Holiday Season Game Plan: Travel, Routines & Flare Prevention
- Dec 12 (12:00–12:45 p.m.) – Move with Confidence: Low-Impact Activity & Joint Protection
Each session features practical strategies, take-home checklists, and Q&A with clinicians or trained peer leaders. Families can attend one or the entire series—registrants receive recordings and resource sheets afterward.
We hope you’ll join us at Faulkner’s Ranch on Oct. 11 and plug into our fall webinar series to keep your family’s JA journey supported, informed, and connected. Register by Oct. 8 at www.arthritis.org or 800-283-7800. You can also email: Brooke Hilst, Executive Director, bhilst@arthritis.org ; Sheila Cline. Associate Director. scline@arthritis.org ; Sherri Hayes. Regional Operations Manager for more information.
