We are thankfully able to see the BC Children’s Rheumatology team every 3 months in Prince George at their outreach clinic. Though this takes an amazing amount of stress away, we’ve still had to travel down to Vancouver for injection treatments that aren’t offered in PG. It’s a 12 hour drive, partially on treacherous and unreliable roads, and we have to pay out of pocket for gas, accommodation and lost wages due to unpaid time off of work. – Parent, Prince George

What is the Cassie + Friends Northern BC Project?

Our goal is to create a vibrant, connected, and well-supported childhood rheumatic disease community in Northern BC. Working with local leaders and volunteers, we will take stock of what supports are available, what services are lacking, and create more opportunities for connection and learning for the 250+ affected youth and families in your region. At the end of our project, we envision our Northern Centre will be a virtual and in-person hub that’s there 24/7 to support kids and families from initial diagnosis into young adulthood.

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Family Stories Shared

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Outreach Clinic Visits by C+F

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Team C+F Runners in 2022

So, what impact does living hundreds – if not thousands – of kilometers from BC Children’s Hospital (the provinces Pediatric Rheumatology home base) have on kids and families? Here’s what we’re learning…

There is a lack of knowledge and timely referral to pediatric rheumatology and related care for children and families in Northern BC.
Families in BC’s North have unique challenges and costs when it comes to caring for their child – from traveling to appointments and services to insufficient support/awareness at school.
Accessing related care such as physiotherapy, ophthalmology, and regular injections can be difficult.
As youth grow up, they need special support and attention to successfully transition to adult care.

How can you get involved?

Share your story with us at info@cassieandfriends.ca.
Volunteer to be a parent and/or youth ambassador to help out with community events or get trained to be a parent/youth mentor.
Join a Team Cassie + Friends run/walk event.
If you are a healthcare professional, let your patients and families know about our resources and programs and encourage them to get involved.

Thank you to our community partners for supporting our work!

You are not alone.

We’ve connected with families living in Northern BC to learn more about the unique challenges they face. Below you will find stories from families living in Northern BC who shared with us feelings of isolation, frustrations around the lack of awareness of childhood rheumatic diseases and the treacherous road conditions many are forced to travel on in order to access care for their child.