14/04/2026
We are SO proud of Kara Pleasance who is supporting her niece, Sienna, who was diagnosed with JIA when she was just 2 years old.
Kara tells us, "Before her diagnosis, Sienna struggled to play with her friends, found it painful to look up at planes in the sky, and would wake up screaming in pain during the night. After months of uncertainty, we finally had an explanation for her mysterious illness. Sienna’s treatment involved weekly methotrexate under the care of the Whittington Hospital, in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital. Because of the intensity of the treatment, she also had regular blood tests, ultrasounds and eye tests every six weeks to monitor the condition. Thankfully, ten years on, Sienna is now 12 years old and in remission! However, her journey — like that of so many other children with JIA — was traumatic, and it’s something no child should ever have to experience. It’s a condition that can have lifelong implications, even long after symptoms improve."
Not only did Kara take on the Purple Gunge Challenge, she is also running the London Marathon on 26th April in support of Sienna and everyone with JIA!
So far Kara has raised over £1,700 and we are so so grateful to her for spreading the word about JIA and for all her support. Best of luck, Kara, we know you'll smash it!
