At the end of last year the MAPJAG research team collaborated with Amy, a young person living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), to create a new video highlighting the importance of research into the condition.
Showcasing the Patient Perspective
The video, featuring Amy and Professor Adam Croft, Chief Investigator of MAP-JAG, sheds light on the challenges of living with JIA and the vital role research plays in improving treatments. Amy shares her personal journey, including her diagnosis at age three, her experiences with different treatments, and how research has helped shape better understanding and care for young people like her.
Professor Croft explains:
“Through MAPJAG, we aim to better understand JIA and improve treatments for young people. Collaborating with Amy on this video has been invaluable in showing why research matters—not just to scientists and clinicians, but to the young people affected by this condition every day.”
You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/oXUB-dL2r_4.
A Platform for Young Voices in Research
Amy’s involvement in this video highlights the importance of patient engagement in research. By sharing her lived experience, she provides a powerful perspective on why studies like MAPJAG are essential for identifying better treatments and ensuring that young people receive the right support as early as possible.
Amy reflects:
“It’s important that research focuses on the needs of young people with JIA. Being part of this video was a great opportunity to share my experience and to help raise awareness of the work being done to improve treatment options.”
Expanding the Impact of MAPJAG
The MAPJAG study continues to grow, supported by funding from the Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research, Versus Arthritis, the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, and the Medical Research Council, and remains committed to working closely with young people and their families.
Through initiatives like this video, the research team hopes to increase awareness, encourage participation, and ensure that young voices remain at the heart of scientific progress.
