Stories
Every young person’s journey with rheumatic disease is different. These stories share the lived experiences of youth who are navigating challenges, building confidence, and finding their voice.
Through connection, support, and community, these young people are showing what’s possible — and helping others feel less alone along the way.
A Mother-Son Story: JIA, Genetics and our Unanswered Questions
Our family’s journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and genetics doesn’t begin with our son’s experience – it actually begins with mine. I was diagnosed with JIA at the age of 7; I faced a difficult time with poor control of my symptoms, which led to significant damage by the…
Iyla’s Story: Finding Comfort and Inspiration with JIA
Thank you to everyone who helped make Giving Tuesday a huge success for children and families affected by Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases – including one very special gift we wanted to share with you from eight-year old Iyla. Iyla, from Meaford, Ontario, has been diligently raising money for…
JIA and Celiac: Cassie Porte’s Story
Hi! My name is Cassie! That name might sound familiar because my parents started Cassie + Friends after I was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 20 months. I am now 17 years old, in grade 12, and taking a break from filling out university applications as I write this.…
A Pain-Free Future for Kids – One Step(pingstone) at a Time
Three-year-old Katherine can keep up with other kids now, but that wasn’t always the case… When Alana noticed her daughter was limping at the playground, she didn’t know what to think – especially when the limp didn’t go away. She decided to bring her to a doctor to be examined.…
Managing Friends, Sports, and JIA: Josie’s Story
Hey! My name is Josie Fratarcangeli, and I am from Woodstock, Ontario. I was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis when I was 4 years old. I am currently 17 years old – and have just “graduated” from London Health Science’s Pediatric Medical Day Unit (PMDU) where I got my…
Four Things More Interesting About Me Than JIA: Hayley’s Story
Hi! My name is Hayley. I was diagnosed with JIA at the age of 13. Around age 12 I realized that I could not straighten my fingers. Young me was very medically inclined, so after some googling, I diagnosed myself with arthritis. It took a long time to convince the…
When life gives you lemons…
Make lemonade! At least that’s what Jacob Shiell did when he was diagnosed with Systemic Idiopathic Juvenile Arthritis (SJIA) on his eighth birthday in October 2021. Jacob’s journey began with unexplained foot pain and swelling. Over the next few weeks, the pain and swelling worsened and spread to his right…
Emily’s Journey with TMJ
Hello there! My name is Emily Bessey. I am 19 years old and live in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. My journey with JIA and TMJ started way back in 2009 when I was just 6 years old. I would go to school limping, hardly able to walk, but return home…
Introducing Ian Stedman: Autoinflammatory patient and parent
In honour of Autoinflammatory month this August, we are introducing the members of Cassie + Friends’ new Canadian Systemic Autoinflammatory Patient Advisory Group (Can-SAID). We are beginning with autoinflammatory patient and parent and Can-SAID board chair, Ian Stedman. Ian Stedman is an autoinflammatory patient and parent. Always sick as a…
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…
Five facts for youth living with Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE)
For Lupus Awareness Month, we asked new C+F Board Member, Dr. Deborah Levy, to share five facts about childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (cSLE). Dr. Levy is the Clinical Director, Division of Rheumatology at the Hospital for Sick Children (“SickKids”) in Toronto and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University…