Physical Activity
Managing JA through Movement: How Ryan’s Gym Routine Helped Him to Build Physical (and Mental) Health and Lifted His Disease Management to the Next Level
Working out and going to the gym helped me regain my physical ability but also my confidence, energy and overall mental wellbeing.”– Ryan Dekker, Young Adult Living with JA As someone who grew up with an active lifestyle (and plenty of energy), finding a way to stay active with JA…
Youth Story: My experience with JIA and finding Cassie + Friends
“Throughout all of these experiences that I have had with Cassie + Friends, there is one throughline: Understanding. Understanding is a concept not to be underestimated.” Meet Ciara. It was after after my body couldn’t row anymore, my hands couldn’t hold the pencil, my joints ached in pain, and after…
Honor Student. Elite Athlete. JIA Warrior.
“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…
Jenna’s Story – Enthesitis related arthritis
We have been asking youth with rheumatic disease to share their story! Sharing stories helps build community and connections. We hope that Jenna’s amazing story inspires you to share your own story. My name is Jenna Kedy. I am 18 years old and live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. As a…
Matthew’s Journey with Juvenile Arthritis
My name is Matthew Sholdice. I am 19 years old, and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was 3 years old. I’ll start with a little bit about myself. I was born and raised in London, Ontario. I enjoy reading, working out, and watching TV and anime. Stranger…
Meet Mackenzie: JA Won’t Stop Me!
Meet Mackenzie! Mackenzie Riddell is a 14 year old synchronized swimmer who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis (JIA) when she was 3 years old. On Saturday, January 30th (4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST), she will be sharing her story and advice for staying active at the upcoming Physical Activity…
Emerson’s Story: “ERA won’t take over my life”
Shortly after his 13th birthday, Emerson started experiencing a lot of pain and stiffness in his hands, knees and wrists. After a few months of doctors appointments and a lot of questions, he was diagnosed with Enthesitis-Related Arthritis, a type of arthritis that involves swelling and inflammation of the connective…
Reese’s Story: “I will never let JIA get in my way”
Thirteen year old Reese from Whitby, Ontario was diagnosed with JIA at age two, but she has never let this get in the way of her athletic goals. Read her story of perseverance and strength below, and join Reese and her entire Aurora Panthers Bantam AA hockey team on October 21st as they…
#RunForIt | Run Training + Activity Program (Week One)
GET UP AND GET ACTIVE! Exercise can ease a child’s arthritis pain and help them keep a positive mindset. #RunForIt is our six week run training program designed especially for kids and families who sign up for Team Cassie & Friends in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Every Monday starting in May 2017,…