Senya says she’d like to be an actor or a doctor when she grows up. Either way, we think she is a star!

Here is a short video of Senya appearing on CBC alongside world-renowned pediatric rheumatologist, Dr. Ross Petty. The story ran in celebration of a monumental milestone for kids, like Senya, who suffer from Juvenile Arthritis and other Rheumatic diseases.

We are so pleased to report the completion of the Ross Petty – Arthritis Society Research Chair in Pediatric Rheumatology – a $5 million fundraising campaign to support world-leading research and clinical care for childhood arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

On March 7th, Cassie and Friends had the pleasure of joining the Arthritis Society, along with other affected families and generous supporters, to officially mark this ground-breaking achievement. The Ross Petty Chair will be the first Canadian Chair in pediatric rheumatology and the second in the world. The research chair will be established at the University of British Columbia and positioned at BC Children’s Hospital.

We’d especially like to thank the Cassie and Friends community – the kids, families, donors and volunteers – who over the last five years have generously contributed over $400,000 to this life-changing initiative. This is, truly, a dream come true.

As Dr. Ross Petty says himself, in the video below, “I would be surprised if the word ‘cure’…won’t be applied in the next decade or two. I am sure this will happen.”

Not only will the newly established research chair lead the way in the research and treatment of juvenile arthritis sufferers, but the chair will also support the rapid application of new knowledge to the expert clinical practice at BC Children’s Hospital.

This means that kids like Senya, who’s own journey with juvenile arthritis began when she was just two-years old, will receive benefits of the new research almost immediately. Not to mention, Cassie and Zachary and Elise and Rebecca and Logan – and any of the 1 in 1000 children who suffer from juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.