NEWS

Working out and going to the gym helped me regain my physical ability but also my confidence, energy and overall mental wellbeing.”– Ryan Dekker, Young Adult Living with JA As someone who grew up with an active lifestyle (and plenty of energy), finding a way to stay active with JA…

My name is Jessica Gill. I am from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at the age of eight years old at the rheumatology clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. The diagnosis took place as a result of severe pain I was experiencing…

“Throughout all of these experiences that I have had with Cassie + Friends, there is one throughline: Understanding. Understanding is a concept not to be underestimated.” Meet Ciara. It was after after my body couldn’t row anymore, my hands couldn’t hold the pencil, my joints ached in pain, and after…

“Explaining this to fellow highschoolers was difficult, often times just resulting in being the butt of the joke. It was hard finding someone who understood and could relate.” Meet Ryan. I first started noticing symptoms as early as age 12. At that time, many just advised me that I was…

“As a young adult with JIA I have experienced firsthand just how much goes on at this age. School, work, relationships, newfound independence, transition… I wanted to create resources with short pieces of patient-driven advice to help others like me navigate the constant changes of life with rheumatic disease.” Who…

“We’re very proud of our girls for showing the fortitude needed to not let these diseases define them.” Hello families! My name is Mike Wiens, husband to Jesica and father to two girls, Vanessa 24 yrs old, and Sarah 23 yrs old. We’re happy to call Port Moody, BC our…

“Feelings and emotions are real, and should be felt and openly discussed.” Meet Kaese and his mom, Jennifer. Together, they have chosen to share their story of being diagnosed with JIA and the many impacts that can have on a child and family’s mental health. To read more Cassie + Friends’…

Last summer, I was ready for an adventure. I wanted to trudge into unknown territory and immerse myself somewhere outside of my university town. Here’s what I did to keep my arthritis in check, before, during and after my 18-day trip exploring France and Portugal with friends. Traveling with friends as…

“Hi, my name is Naina and I am 9 years old. This summer I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Lupus. I hope to inspire kids like me to be brave and courageous. I want to spread the message that kids can get through anything with strength. Artwork has been…

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: Together, Drs Knight and Batthish are seeking to recruit a group of experts and stakeholders to bring…

“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…

“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…