kids with arthritis can do anything!

Juvenille Arthritis affects 3 in 1000 kids in Canada – making it one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children today. Even still JA is still relatively unknown and often misunderstood. For kids, this can lead to feelings of embarrassment, social exclusion and even bullying – all that for a child who is already dealing with a painful and largely invisible disease.

We believe that through better information in schools and awareness by peers, children who have JA can find hope and acceptance. Our Cassie and Friends at School puppet show teaches kids (and educators) about friendship, inclusion and how to talk about any kind of ‘difference.’ The overall message is one of ability over disability – giving kids the chance to turn their focus back to being kids.

WHAT IS CASSIE AND FRIENDS AT SCHOOL?

Cassie and Friends at School (previously “Kids on the Block”) is a show for kids about ability, difference and friendship. The program’s goal is to help raise awareness and understanding about what it’s like to live with JA and to illustrate some of the challenges a classmate with JA might be facing: pain, isolation, depression and mobility challenges.

Cassie is ten years old. She likes pizza, swimming, and Minecraft. She also has juvenile arthritis. Sometimes her classmates make fun of her for missing class or adapting her school day. Everything changes when she meets Sophie, who wants to help so much that she ends up making everything worse. Cassie finds the courage to teach her friends and classmates about her experience, giving everyone the tools to make their school a stronger community.

The show gives students the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the puppets, breaking down barriers and addressing serious topics (inclusion, health, disability) through a positive interactive experience. The puppets also help children feel positive about themselves, accept individual differences and learn valuable personal skills.

The Cassie and Friends at School program is intended for children in Kindergarten to Grade Four and is approximately 45 minutes long.

WHERE DO WE PERFORM?

We’re on a mission to raise awareness about Juvenile Arthritis (JA) in every community where a kid is affected – in other words, all of them! Our Cassie and Friends at School show has now reached over 20,000 elementary school children and educators in the Lower Mainland and across British Columbia, including communities in Prince George, Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Victoria and Merritt.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

This program is fully funded by Cassie and Friends, with the support of Westland Insurance and Northbridge Insurance in BC’s Lower Mainland, and Telus Thompson Okanagan Community Board in the Okanagan. All performances are are at no charge to schools.

HOW TO BOOK?

Simply email puppetshow@cassieandfriends.ca