#WhyIRun: Blake’s Story

Meet Blake: One of Our Youngest Runners and a Big Reason We Run!

Meet Blake, a resilient little one and one of our youngest runners on Team Cassie + Friends Halifax! Diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at just 16 months old, Blake’s journey has been filled with challenges, strength, and hope. Read more about her story below—and then join Blake and kids like her by running or walking with Team Cassie + Friends anywhere in Canada. Whether you’re in Halifax, another race city, or joining us virtually, your support makes a difference. Learn how you can get involved at cassieandfriends.ca/run.

Our Journey

At 10 months old, Blake began showing pain during everyday routines like getting dressed. She had been progressing toward walking, but suddenly regressed, and I noticed she was no longer standing in her crib. The Early Childhood Educators at her daycare eventually confirmed they also felt something wasn’t right. They told me that they thought she was in pain.

After several visits to the family doctor and the IWK, we were referred to rheumatology. In June 2022, Blake was diagnosed with JIAin both ankles and knees.

Since then, she’s had joint injections, learned to swallow pills at 3 years old, and most recently, started injections in January 2025, which have finally brought improvement and no flare-ups.

The Emotional Side

Those early months were full of fear. I felt completely out of control, stuck in limbo, waiting for appointments. I called every clinic we were referred to, asking to be put on cancellation lists.

The first moment I felt truly seen was in the emergency room, when a doctor acknowledged something was wrong and insisted Blake be seen within 10 days. It made all the difference.

When Dr. Stringer gave us the diagnosis, I was overwhelmed with sadness for my baby, but I also felt a weight lift. My instincts had been right, and we finally had a name for what Blake was going through, and my concerns were all valid.

Moments of Hope

One of the most hopeful moments came in February 2025, when Blake began standing on her own again in the mornings. Watching her stand and brush her teeth by herself is something I’ll never take for granted.

Life now is a bit of a rollercoaster. There’s always uncertainty about whether she will have another flare-up. One of the hardest parts has been navigating her pain while she was still learning how to communicate.

Family Impact + Support

This diagnosis has deeply impacted our family. Juggling work, appointments, and explaining everything to siblings has been one of the biggest challenges.

What’s helped most has been connecting with other parents. When I first heard the word “injection,” I reached out to Cassie + Friends, and I was immediately met with understanding, compassion, and support. That community has meant so much to us.

Gratitude + Advocacy

We’re running because we want people to see Blake, her strength, her courage, and the reality of life with JIA. We’re grateful for the doctors who listened, for the Cassie + Friends community, and most of all, for Blake’s resilience. To other families just starting this journey: trust your instincts, ask the questions, and lean on the people who’ve walked this road before you. You’re not alone.

Run With Us—Wherever You Are

Join Team Cassie + Friends in Halifax, or run from anywhere in Canada as part of our growing virtual team. Every step you take helps support kids like Blake and bring us closer to better care, earlier diagnoses, and one day—a cure. Sign up or learn more at cassieandfriends.ca/run. Because the kids can’t wait.