Cassie + Friends is leading the formation of a new workgroup on Pediatric Rheumatology Mental Health to improve mental health care and outcomes for children with rheumatologic diseases. The workgroup will be led by: Dr. Andrea Knight, Pediatric Rheumatologist, The Hospital for Sick Children + Canada Research Chair in Mental Health and Chronic Disease [...]
"Life changes at a fast pace in your early 20s." Meet Trish. Life after pediatric care is a journey. I would describe it as a relationship with its ups and downs. High highs when you feel amazing and low lows when finding access to a doctor is tough. I came out of pediatric [...]
"If you told me a few years ago that I would be pursuing my dream of playing post-secondary volleyball at Dalhousie University, I would have laughed out loud because at the time it seemed near to impossible." Meet Ella. In April of 2020, I was diagnosed with a rheumatic condition you are probably [...]
Sophie Finn is a student, a C+F Youth Ambassador, a soccer coach, and a JDM warrior. This is her story. My story began in Grade 7, when I started to experience unexplained pain in my lower back. At the time, I was playing soccer and my goal was to make it to university. As [...]
As a parent/caregiver, you envision your children growing up happy and healthy, enjoying life to the fullest. However, life tends to chuckle at our best laid plans, and that was the case with our middle daughter, Rosalie, who was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of 6 in February 2022. [...]
One of our favourite things at Cassie + Friends is when kids step up and take action towards spreading awareness and fundraising for JIA and other rheumatic diseases. Our Calgary JIA warrior, Jason, is hosting the first kids fundraiser of the year- a pajama day at his school! Tickets will be sold, by donation, [...]
We are proud to support kids and families who are interested in supporting Cassie + Friends through do-it-yourself fundraisers! To help you get started, we have complied a list of ideas that put the FUN in fundraising! Please let us know if you need help getting started, spreading the word about your initiative, or [...]
Let's Crush JA by recycling your bottles and cans or starting your very own bottle drive! Simply collect your bottles and cans, select how/where you'd like to return them, and Voila! Bottle Recycle Depots: Regional Recycling Depots (8 Branches) - find a location near you Bring your bottles/cans in clear plastic bags to [...]
Do you have an idea of how you’d like to make a positive impact on kids and families affected by juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases but you're not sure if it's eligible for the Youth Leader Awards? See below for a list of previous initiatives to help [...]
To recognize Juvenile Arthritis Awareness month, we're highlighting stories from the youth in our community: their diagnosis, their journeys, what they’ve learned, and most importantly, their advice. At Cassie + Friends, we believe that all kids deserve to live pain-free. In Canada, 24,000 children, teens and their families will be affected by Juvenile [...]
If you or a loved one is dealing with Juvenile Arthritis or any rheumatic disease, you're not alone. Sign up now for access to vital resources, news, and events. Join a supportive community that gets what you're facing. Together, we can make a difference in your Juvenile Arthritis journey.
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