JRA Heroes is dedicated to funding high quality research to develop a cure for Juvenile Arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes severe joint pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased mobility in children.  Right now there are over 300,000 children in America living with some form of arthritis and less than 200 pediatric rheumatologists to treat these children.  Childhood Arthritis is the #1 cause of acquired disability in children and the 6th most common childhood disease.

Juvenile Arthritis has a direct impact on an active, growing young person's life.  Almost every aspect is affected including the areas of school, social life, family relationships, sports and dating.  New coping skills for living with the everyday challenges of Arthritis must be learned.  Teens and young adults entering the workforce have new issues to face.

In January 2009 JRA Heroes joined forces with CARRA (Children's Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance  www.carragroup.com).  Funds raised from the 2010 Soiree for JRA will support JRA Heroes' mission to imporove the lives of children living with JRA by directly supporting CARRA's research to FIND A CURE FOR JUVENILE ARTHRITIS.