Questions?

The Team Cassie + Friends Run/Walk is a community event that brings together families, friends, and supporters to connect, celebrate, and raise funds for kids living with juvenile arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases.

Whether you run, walk, roll, or cheer from the sidelines, every step helps make a real difference.

Yes. Team Cassie + Friends is about showing up in the way that works for you. Whether you walk a little, fundraise a lot, volunteer, or simply come to feel less alone — you belong here.

Anyone can participate. You’re welcome to join in honour of a child, family member, friend — or all kids living with juvenile arthritis (JA) and other childhood rheumatic diseases. Feel free to invite classmates, coworkers, friends, or anyone in your community to join you.

Yes. Companies and workplaces can get involved in Team Cassie + Friends in several ways — including forming a corporate team, supporting a local event, or sponsoring Team C+F at the community or national level.

Corporate involvement helps amplify awareness, strengthen fundraising, and show meaningful support for children and families living with juvenile arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases. Opportunities range from team participation to event sponsorship and custom partnerships.

To explore options, contact natalie@cassieandfriends.ca — we’d love to connect.

Funds raised through Team Cassie + Friends support children and families living with juvenile arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases — from the early days of diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

Your fundraising helps make possible:

• Direct family support, such as local equipment cupboards and family funds that help cover essential items and reduce financial strain
• Family Navigation and peer support, helping caregivers make sense of diagnosis, treatment decisions, school challenges, and mental health impacts
• Youth mentorship and connection, creating safe spaces for young people to feel understood and less alone
• Education and awareness, for families, schools, and communities
• Research partnerships informed by lived experience, working toward better care, better treatments, and a cure

Beyond funding, Team Cassie + Friends brings families together — helping them feel seen, supported, and less isolated. Everything we do is shaped by the voices of kids, youth, and families, turning real experiences into better support today and a shorter road to answers for those who come next.

You can absolutely walk. Team Cassie + Friends is about participation, connection, and support — not speed. Walk, run, roll, or take breaks as needed. Every step counts.

Yes. Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility aids are welcome. We work to ensure routes are accessible and inclusive, and we encourage families to participate in the way that works best for them. If you have specific accessibility needs, please reach out — we’re happy to help.

You can register online through our website. During registration, you’ll be able to choose whether you’re joining as an individual or as part of a team, select your t-shirt size, and create your personal fundraising page. Registration is simple and quick — and your participation matters, whether you fundraise a little or a lot.

Yes. For Community Run/Walks and our Virtual option, there is a small registration fee that helps cover event costs such as t-shirts and participant support. All funds raised beyond the registration fee go directly toward programs, support, and research for children and families.

For Major Marathon Events, the registration fee is set by the race organizer and covers race-specific costs such as event shirts, medals, route setup, and timing. Cassie + Friends does not receive marathon registration fees, but 100% of funds raised through your fundraising page go directly to Cassie + Friends.

If you have questions about fees for a specific event, we’re always happy to help.

Absolutely! You can create a fundraising page and collect donations even if you aren’t able to join in person or virtually. Every donation helps support families and improve care.

Volunteers are an essential part of Team Cassie + Friends, and there are many ways to get involved — on event day and beyond.

Volunteer roles may include:

• Supporting event-day logistics such as registration, route support, or cheering
• Helping with community outreach, sponsorship, or fundraising support
• Serving as a youth or family ambassador, sharing your story and helping raise awareness
• Assisting with media outreach, communications, or local promotion
• Supporting local parent committees or helping organize future events

Whether you’re looking to help for a few hours or take on a leadership role over time, we’ll work with you to find a meaningful way to contribute.

To get started, email info@cassieandfriends.ca, and our team will connect you with opportunities that fit your interests, skills, and availability.

Yes. We provide fundraising guides, templates, and tips to help you reach your goals — whether that’s sharing online, asking friends and family, or hosting a small community fundraiser. You’ll also have access to your personal fundraising page to track donations and thank supporters.

Access fundraising tools here.

We’d love to hear your story. You can share it on your fundraising page, during registration, on social media using our hashtags (#KidsCantWait #TeamCassieandFriends), or by tagging Cassie + Friends @CAFsociety. Sharing your experience helps others feel connected and inspires support.

Your safety comes first. If weather conditions are challenging, we may adjust start times, routes, or move parts of the event to a sheltered or virtual option. Registered participants will receive updates by email.

Yes. Photos may be taken by Cassie + Friends staff or professional photographers and used in future communications, social media, or fundraising materials. If you have any concerns about photography, please let us know.