Children's Arthritis Research Institute Ltd

The Children's Arthritis Research Institute Ltd (CARI) is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and care for rheumatic diseases primarily affecting children.

Mission and Vision

CARI's mission is to develop key research projects aimed at understanding the causes of rheumatic diseases in children and adults, with the goal of fostering the development of better therapies. The organization envisions a future where curative therapies are available for rheumatic diseases, improving the quality of life for those affected[1].

Approach

CARI employs a collaborative approach, bringing together medical professionals, allied health workers, researchers, and family supporters. This collaboration is symbolized by a windmill model, where each component—red for medical teams, green for allied health, yellow for families and supporters, and blue for researchers—works together to achieve pain-free movement for children with rheumatic diseases[1].

Research Focus

CARI focuses on conditions such as juvenile arthritis (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis, and vasculitis. The organization supports establishing new clinical trials for these diseases and partners with institutions like the Perth Children's Hospital and Arthritis Australia to enhance research capabilities in Western Australia[1].

Impact

CARI supports over a thousand children in Western Australia suffering from juvenile arthritis and aims to establish Western Australia as a center of excellence for training healthcare professionals in the treatment of rheumatic diseases in children[1]. The organization also supports the broader community by enhancing understanding and treatment options for people with chronic illnesses, including families and the general public[2].

Operations

CARI operates primarily through fundraising efforts, dispersing funds to scientists and health professionals to support research developments in Western Australia[4]. By partnering with national and international trials, CARI contributes to the global effort to find better treatments and potential cures for rheumatic diseases.

[1] https://www.cariaustralia.org [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d6a6cbb7-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/profile [3] https://acncpubfilesprodstorage.blob.core.windows.net/public/d6a6cbb7-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60-1f550c30-365f-47d8-b37d-9198486a69df-Financial%20Report-d830f2e1-4fb2-ed11-83ff-00224893d32a-2022_CARI_Financial_Stmts_(final).pdf [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/d6a6cbb7-3aaf-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/928da4ed-4fb2-ed11-83ff-00224811425f [5] https://arthritisaustralia.com.au