#WhyIRun

I run with C+F with hopes of expanding their reach and bringing support to even more young people like me. The impact of their work cannot be overstated – it’s a lifeline for families navigating the endless challenges and decisions of pediatric rheumatic diseases.

We are so fortunate to have a large support system from our families and friends as we navigate this chapter of our lives.

Meet Stephanie, who is running with Team Cassie + Friends to raise awareness for Juvenile Arthritis for her son, Tommy! Diagnosed with oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) just after his second birthday, Tommy’s journey has been full of ups and downs.

La version française suit la version anglaise. We’re so excited that on May 25, 2025, Montréal will host its FIRST EVER Team Cassie + Friends walk/run! Read more about the amazing families that will be joining us below—and then join kids like Valerina, Beatrice, and Brooklyn by running or walking with…

We’ve had many highs and lows since her diagnosis, but we are so thankful for the Cassie + Friends community. It’s made us feel less alone.

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.

In this #WhyIRun, we hear from the Rose family, who share their daughter Audrey’s journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Audrey and her family will be participating in our upcoming run/walk at Hamilton’s Road2Hope marathon on November 2, 2024, where they are not only the top fundraiser for Cassie +…

Emily, diagnosed at age 3. Never complained. Emily was a happy-go-lucky kid and could always be found smiling and laughing. We felt lucky that she was so young when COVID came because we were able to spend time at home together, and because of her age, she didn’t know what…

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…

Annika hurt her ankle in December 2021. She complained of pain, but we didn’t see any swelling or bruising. We took her to our family doctor, who then sent her for an X-ray. He didn’t see anything from that, so we went home but Annika still complained of pain. In…

For Lillian – Our Rheumatic Disease Warrior Our journey with Rheumatic Disease began in June 2022. After 11 days of fever, Lillian, then just shy of her 3rd birthday, was seen, diagnosed, and treated for Incomplete Kawasaki disease at CHEO (Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario). Luckily, she responded to the…

Parenting a teen can be tricky. Parenting a teen with a painful rheumatic disease like Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis can be heartbreaking. But it can also be incredibly inspiring, as you’ll learn from Roam’s mom, Jana. She was reminded of her son’s strength and resilience during our Team Cassie + Friends…