“As a young adult with JIA I have experienced firsthand just how much goes on at this age. School, work, relationships, newfound independence, transition… I wanted to create resources with short pieces of patient-driven advice to help others like me navigate the constant changes of life with rheumatic disease.” [...]
"We're very proud of our girls for showing the fortitude needed to not let these diseases define them." Hello families! My name is Mike Wiens, husband to Jesica and father to two girls, Vanessa 24 yrs old, and Sarah 23 yrs old. We're happy to call Port Moody, BC our home since relocating here [...]
"Feelings and emotions are real, and should be felt and openly discussed." Meet Kaese and his mom, Jennifer. Together, they have chosen to share their story of being diagnosed with JIA and the many impacts that can have on a child and family's mental health. To read more Cassie + Friends' Youth Mental Health [...]
Last summer, I was ready for an adventure. I wanted to trudge into unknown territory and immerse myself somewhere outside of my university town. Here's what I did to keep my arthritis in check, before, during and after my 18-day trip exploring France and Portugal with friends. Traveling with friends as a young [...]
"Hi, my name is Naina and I am 9 years old. This summer I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Lupus. I hope to inspire kids like me to be brave and courageous. I want to spread the message that kids can get through anything with strength. Artwork has been a way for [...]
Cassie + Friends is leading the formation of a new workgroup on Pediatric Rheumatology Mental Health to improve mental health care and outcomes for children with rheumatologic diseases. The workgroup will be led by: Dr. Andrea Knight, Pediatric Rheumatologist, The Hospital for Sick Children + Canada Research Chair in Mental Health and Chronic Disease [...]
"Life changes at a fast pace in your early 20s." Meet Trish. Life after pediatric care is a journey. I would describe it as a relationship with its ups and downs. High highs when you feel amazing and low lows when finding access to a doctor is tough. I came out of pediatric [...]
"If you told me a few years ago that I would be pursuing my dream of playing post-secondary volleyball at Dalhousie University, I would have laughed out loud because at the time it seemed near to impossible." Meet Ella. In April of 2020, I was diagnosed with a rheumatic condition you are probably [...]
Sophie Finn is a student, a C+F Youth Ambassador, a soccer coach, and a JDM warrior. This is her story. My story began in Grade 7, when I started to experience unexplained pain in my lower back. At the time, I was playing soccer and my goal was to make it to university. As [...]
As a parent/caregiver, you envision your children growing up happy and healthy, enjoying life to the fullest. However, life tends to chuckle at our best laid plans, and that was the case with our middle daughter, Rosalie, who was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of 6 in February 2022. [...]
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