NEWS

Daniela is an 18-year-old youth living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In this piece, she shares her journey to diagnosis, the realities of growing up with a chronic illness, and how her experiences have shaped her passion for advocacy and helping others navigating childhood-onset rheumatic disease.

Marissa is the Family Engagement Coordinator at Cassie + Friends Society and a parent to a child living with juvenile arthritis. This letter reflects her personal experience and the journey that led her to support other families navigating childhood-onset rheumatic disease.

From Fear to Confidence: Because Kids Can’t Wait Every day, kids and families living with Juvenile Arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases carry fear, uncertainty, and the challenges of lifelong illness. Your gift helps them reach a turning point — toward clarity, readiness, and confidence. Why Confidence? At Cassie + Friends,…

We’re honoured to share a guest blog from one of our incredible youth in the community, Kai. Diagnosed with PFAPA at just seven years old, Kai faced more than most kids his age.

My name is Emma Linsley, and I was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis eight years ago, when I was 16. At last year’s Saskatoon run, I had a deeply moving conversation with the mom of an adorable boy who has JA. We talked about the challenges of living with JA, and…

Back-to-school can be exciting—but for families and youth living with juvenile arthritis (JA) and other rheumatic diseases, it can also feel overwhelming. Between medical care, school prep, and new routines, there’s a lot to juggle.

For most of my life, I’ve had Morphea. Starting as a red mark on my chin as ayoung child, it eventually turned darker and over the years, spread to areas onmy forehead, and neck. Morphea, also known as localized Scleroderma, is an auto immune disease thatcauses hardened and darkened patches…

It started out as sharp pain in my hips which I believed to be a pulled muscle;however, it soon progressed into a severe pain and stiffness. Days passed as I usedcrutches to simply walk around, and I remember that any instance of lying downexacerbated the pain, leaving me immobilized. As…

Meet Chase, a brave and resilient 4-year-old from London, ON, who is inspiring his family, friends, and community to step up for kids affected by Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM)—a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and skin rashes. This year, Chase’s family is joining Team Cassie + Friends to raise awareness and…

My experience with the healthcare system started earlier than most. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare autoimmune disease that affects the muscles and skin, and since then, the Montreal Children’s Hospital has been a constant part of my life, a place where I’ve had many appointments, treatments,…

May is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Awareness Month. Many people think of AS as a condition that affects adults, but it can begin in childhood, too. Ava’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of kids living with Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis and the importance of early diagnosis, support, and community.…

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.