During March and April, hospitals, labs and clinics across Canada quickly shifted gears to meet the new realities of patient care in the Covid-19 outbreak. As a result, many families were left with cancelled or postponed appointments, worries about medication shortages and questions about their child’s safety and well being. Now, during the second wave in November, December, and as long as necessary, we are committed to bringing you the information you need.

In order to help parents conquer fear and find answers to their most pressing questions, Cassie + Friends partnered with Pediatric Rheumatologists across Canada to bring critical information, resources and a sense of connection to families through a new online COVID Command centre. 

The website, launched on March 31st, includes:

• An official letter to patients and families from all Pediatric Rheumatology teams in Canada (available in English and French), which was reviewed and guided by the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA).
• An “Ask the Doctor” forum where youth and parents can ask questions directly to the experts (available in both English and French). These questions are then published anonymously for families to view.
• Clinic-specific pages that will house updates, events and links specific to your child’s centre of care across Canada.
• Other useful resources to help kids and families stay healthy, happy and connected over the coming weeks and months.

Covid19.cassieandfriends.ca will be updated on a weekly basis to provide the most recent and relevant content to the pediatric rheumatology community.

During the Covid-19 crisis we want you to know that Cassie + Friends is ALWAYS here – with kids as our number one and only focus – to provide your family with support, education, awareness and research. If you are looking to connect with other families on how they are coping, learn more about our Online Support Network.

If you would like to submit a Covid-19 related question to be answered by Pediatric Rheumatologists, please email info@cassieandfriends.ca