The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Conference
We had the amazing opportunity to attend the American College of Rheumatology's Annual Scientific Meeting in the fall of both 2023 and 2024. We are thrilled to attend this event again in 2025. Interested in learning more about ACR? Check out their website below.
ACR 2025
Chicago
We are thrilled to be attending ACR 2025 this Fall in Chicago, USA. Check back soon for more information!
ACR 2024
Washington DC
At ACR 2024 we spread awareness about youth and young people with rheumatic diseases, talked with many professionals about the true impact on young people with these conditions, and had the opportunity to present during this conference, discussing the important topic of transitions of care, specifically from pediatric to adult care.
Presentation: Transitions of Care
On Saturday, November 16th, 2024 Natasha discussed important issues about transitions of care for patients with rheumatic conditions in a formal presentation. She further talked about her own experiences and the experiences of others within her community regarding how transitions of care impact a patient. This presentation shed light on the patient's perspective of the transition process.
Abstract: Bridging the Gap from Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology Care
Natasha Trehan's abstract was published by the American College of Rheumatology through this conference. Natasha's abstract discusses her personal experiences when transitioning from pediatric to adult rheumatology care, and the different questions she had during this time in her life. She discusses how opportunities to get involved in research and advocacy helped her successfully transition. Read more here.
.png)
.png)
.png)
ACR 2023
San Diego
In 2023 we spread the word about TAPC and our mission, advocated for patients, presented our research in an abstract and poster, and spoke with many industry professionals with the aim of making a positive difference for our community. ​
Poster and Abstract: Voices Unheard: Unmasking the Hidden Challenges of Youth with Rheumatic Diseases
Our poster, titled "Voices Unheard: Unmasking the Hidden Challenges of Youths with Rheumatic Diseases," explores the top 5 areas that youth are most impacted by when living with a rheumatic condition, not directly related to their condition. Some of these areas of concern include mental health, access to affordable medications, social support, and more.
​​
Our abstract, written by Natasha Trehan, Laurie Proulx, and Isabel Dukes focused on the mental health impact for young people living with a rheumatic conditions. It covers the findings from our study and discusses possible outcomes, suggests ways for healthcare professionals to help, and shows some of the true impact these conditions can have on the mental health of youths. Read more here.
Abstract: Putting Lived Experience into Action: Flipping the Script on Living with a Chronic Disease
Alongside our poster and abstract on mental health, Natasha Trehan and Naomi Abrahams wrote an abstract about Naomi's lived experience and how their connection to Natasha and Take a Pain Check Foundation (TAPC) positively impacted their outlook and experience living with a rheumatic condition. They discuss a documentary, entitled “If it weren’t for my friends, I wouldn’t have survived,” and the impact of this documentary on not only themselves but also how it brought other young people with rheumatic conditions together, forming a community. Read more here.
ACR 2022
​In 2022, Natasha Trehan from Take a Pain Check Foundation (TAPC) and Laurie Proulx from the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance (CAPA) wrote an abstract titled "Patients Raising Awareness for Patients – A Collaborative Partnership Between Take a Pain Check Foundation and Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance." This abstract discusses the benefits for the communities when various organizations collaborate. You can read more here.
​
This publication occurred in 2022, and since then, TAPC and CAPA have collaborated on various other projects, which have all had highly beneficial outcomes for both the TAPC and CAPA communities. If you're interested in seeing some of the community resources we have collaborated on, you can find these under our "Resources" tab. You can also click here to view these resources.
ACR 2021
Natasha Trehan and Trishtha Peters discuss their friendship as two young people living with rheumatic conditions, and how the formation of TAPC brought them together, and created a community of young people with these conditions supporting each other. This abstract discusses the need for community for young people with rheumatic conditions, and explores this need through the reflection on the formation of TAPC. ​​​Read more here.