Research

Kylie’s Journey to Diagnosis Kylie took a bit of a tumble at a gymnastics birthday party and hurt her ankle when she was five. At the time it didn’t appear to be very serious and we continued on with the party. The next day her ankle became quite swollen so…

The Start of Our Journey Laila’s journey started when she was just six years old. She began complaining of leg pain, something that many parents might chalk up to growing pains. We thought, like most parents, that it was just a phase—something that would pass in time. But it didn’t.…

Hi! I’m Brittany – and I’m here to share with you a bit about my experience as someone who works in health research and lives with Ankylosing Spondylitis! I currently work as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Calgary, where I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects…

Dr. Molly Dushnicky’s story sounds like a lot of her patients’: When she was just 18 months old, she stopped walking, her knees wouldn’t bend easily, and she wasn’t her usual happy self. That’s when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Now, Dr. Dushnicky is a Pediatric Rheumatologist…

A recent report by Mental Health Research Canada underscores the pressing need for improved access to mental health services for youth. Vulnerable groups, including those already managing chronic conditions, face particularly steep challenges. Among these, youth with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and other rheumatic diseases experience disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression,…

To have a chronic illness is to be fighting every day for the next. My name is Paige Simpson. I am 17 years old, I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, otherwise known as JIA. I have been treated for JIA for 15 years but have been battling this condition…

Did you know that the University of Saskatchewan has one of the longest, continuously operating pediatric rheumatology research programs in the world? Read more to learn why the IDEA lab is proud to partner with Cassie + Friends and support activities like our annual Saskatoon Run/Walk on September 7th, which…

Great news for Canadian autoinflammatory patients of all ages: Canada is getting its own registry for systemic autoinflammatory diseases! What exactly is a systemic autoinflammatory disease? Systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAID) currently include over 50 rare conditions that are caused by uncontrolled systemic and organ-specific inflammation. These disorders usually start in…

n April 11, 2024, after a rigorous selection process, Cassie + Friends and Brain Canada have selected two life-transforming and innovative research projects to receive a combined total of $480,00 in funding dedicated to transforming the lives and mental wellness of children and teens impacted by juvenile arthritis and other…

We’re living in a time of exciting progress, where scientific breakthroughs are paving the way for better care for children and families dealing with pediatric rheumatic diseases. Every day, dedicated researchers, including those in our CREW Network, are pushing the boundaries of rheumatology care to create a brighter future for…

Did you know that March is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month in Canada? Here at Cassie + Friends, we have been raising awareness and providing support to the JA community since 2007! We are the only charity in Canada exclusively dedicated to the pediatric rheumatic disease community and our dedication shows!…

Throughout my life I have been granted many titles; mom, wife, daughter, registered nurse, and writer are just a few. These are the titles that are associated with my name. I could be described as outgoing, humorous, modest, and perhaps kind too. These would be some characteristics that people from…