About Us

Take a Pain Check was launched as a podcast in March 2021 by Natasha Trehan. Natasha was diagnosed at the age of 13 with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, and is currently furthering her education, after completing her undergraduate degree in Translational and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa in 2025. As a teenager, she felt alone and was unable to find resources to connect with other people with similar lived experiences. After joining a support group 2 years into her journey, and meeting tons of other youth, Take a Pain Check Podcast was born to ensure that young patients feel supported in every step of the way.

Soon after the podcast launched, a community was built and we became Take a Pain Check Foundation in October 2021. Take a Pain Check Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to the mission and vision of supporting youth and young adults with rheumatic diseases through social media, initiatives, advocacy, and raising awareness. Natasha hosts podcasts every other Sunday with different guests, engaging in conversations about chronic illness, relationships, accomplishments, lifestyle, and much more. There is a wide range of guest speakers, including those living with rheumatic diseases, parents, friends, researchers, health professionals, and individuals who are making a difference in the rheumatic community. Take a Pain Check is currently changing the lives of individuals impacted with rheumatic diseases by creating a safe community. The goal is to empower youth to advocate for themselves, and to create a place where they feel understood.

Natasha Trehan

Founder, Executive Director

Our Mission:

Take a Pain Check Foundation (TAPC) is a global, youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering, educating, supporting, and advocating for young people with rheumatic diseases. We strive to raise awareness, promote resilience, and improve quality of life by amplifying lived experiences and providing accessible programs, leadership opportunities, and inclusive peer support.

Through education, advocacy, content creation and digital outreach, we equip youth with the knowledge, tools, and community they need to navigate their healthcare journey and create lasting change.

Our Vision:

Every young person with a rheumatic disease deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported. We aim to build a future where youth are active partners in their care, where healthcare systems value lived experience, and where access to education, resources, and support is equitable and inclusive.

Take a Pain Check Foundation envisions a connected global community led by young people, driving change through advocacy, education, content creation, and collaboration. By working alongside hospitals, researchers, and institutions, we are expanding the reach of youth-led voices and creating meaningful, lasting impact in the rheumatology space.