MUNSTER Rugby player Tommy O’Donnell was among those who gathered at Kidstown in Corbally to mark the first anniversary of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) charity iCAN.
The charity was set up in October 2013 by parents who were concerned about the lack of resources available to children diagnosed with JIA and their families.
It is fully volunteer-operated and has more than 30 volunteers nationwide, several of whom are based in Limerick. It aims to provide a national support network for children with arthritis and their families through the provision of factual, practical and emotional support.
Munster star O’Donnell has been on board with iCAN for a number of months and Limerick-based volunteer Fergus Pearse spoke highly of the Ireland rugby international for his enthusiasm in getting involved with the charity, noting that he was on a high after Munster’s win over Saracens last week.
Fergus said: “iCAN has been very lucky that Tommy O’Donnell has kindly come on board as our patron. He has attended many of our activity days, giving his time freely to support and encourage all the children with JIA and their families.
“We took kids and parents to Kidstown activity play centre, where Tommy, fresh from Munster’s great win of Friday, joined us in the celebrations. This has been a great year for this fledgling charity and iCAN is looking forward to the year ahead with great anticipation.”
While he was in an upbeat mood last Saturday at iCAN’s anniversary celebrations, Fergus outlined the challenges that continue to lay in store for those affected by JIA.
“Currently Ireland is the second worst in Europe with respect to care for children with JIA. For the population of Ireland, the World Heath Organisation recommends six paediatric rheumatologists. Ireland currently has two.
“Waiting lists are a big problem for JIA as a quick diagnosis is essential to avoid long-term damage or deformities. Some children are waiting for up to two years to get an initial appointment with a rheumatologist.
“Since the inception of iCAN, the group has worked tirelessly to promote awareness of this debilitating condition. They have held numerous fund raising events to pay for vital facilities in Crumlin.
“They have also held many family and children based activities to provide the children with opportunities to mix with others with JIA and also to provide the parents with a support network and practical workshops. All activities include siblings as this condition affects the whole family.”
