Hannah & Mackenzie’s Story
Held at Lone Pine Sanctuary in February, the families enjoyed activities with the native animals, met others like them and connected through similar challenges.
Your gifts gave Carly the opportunity to bring her 9-year-old daughter Hannah to Twinkletoes for a second time.
Hannah first showed symptoms of JIA aged 5 while we were on holiday in western Queensland,’ Carly said. ‘She has polyarticular JIA in both ankles, knees and some toes. Her school is very supportive and she has met kids with JIA in hospital but it wasn’t until we came to Twinkletoes 2024 in Brisbane, that she made a JIA friend in a fun environment.
The 2026 Twinkletoes Day was a first for Sarah, mum to Mackenzie, 5, who was diagnosed with JIA at 18 months. Thanks to your generosity, Sarah heard valuable new perspectives from other parents who even gave advice on how to settle Mackenzie into school.
They met up at the 2026 event and she was so happy. It’s made a real difference to her confidence and positive attitude.
The 2026 Twinkletoes Day was a first for Sarah, mum to Mackenzie, 5, who was diagnosed with JIA at 18 months. Thanks to your generosity, Sarah heard valuable new perspectives from other parents who even gave advice on how to settle Mackenzie into school.
‘The rheumatologist updated us on research and government, and I liked hearing about JIA from another specialist.
It was also great that my husband and I could go together,’ Sarah said.
‘Mackenzie loved the helpers and teachers. She hasn’t stopped talking about the animals. She was too shy to talk to the other kids, so it helped that we could bring her sister.’
Thank you for giving families the gift of connection and joy, which the Children’s Program delivers multiple times a year.
To donate to our Children’s Program, call 1300 875 236 or visit: arthritis.org.au.
