Research + Impact
Advancing care—and a better future—for kids living with rheumatic disease
We work with clinicians, researchers, and families to improve care for children and youth living with rheumatic disease. Through research and collaboration, we advance understanding, develop better treatments, and help shape the future of pediatric rheumatology.
We regularly share new research, emerging insights, and opportunities to participate—check back often for updates.
Research Areas
Care to Cure Approach
Connecting research, care, and lived experience to improve outcomes.
Research Projects
Focused initiatives advancing knowledge, access to care, mental health, and patient-informed research.
Participate in Research
Opportunities for youth, families, caregivers, and community members to contribute to research.
Why Research
is Essential
Research is essential to improving care — but the strongest research does more than study disease. It listens to the people living with it. By connecting clinical expertise with the real-world experiences of youth, families, and caregivers, Cassie + Friends helps support research that is more relevant, more practical, and more likely to improve lives.
Why Research Matters
Better answers begin with better understanding.
Research helps move pediatric rheumatology forward — from earlier diagnosis and improved treatments to better tools, resources, and care pathways for children and families.
Without research, care can only respond to what is already known. With research, we can uncover gaps, test new ideas, and build a stronger future for kids living with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Lived Experience Makes Research Stronger
Real-world insight leads to more meaningful care.
Families and youth understand the daily realities of childhood rheumatic disease in ways that data alone cannot capture. Their experiences help researchers ask better questions, identify what matters most, and create solutions that reflect real life.
By bringing clinical expertise and lived experience together, Cassie + Friends helps ensure research is relevant, practical, and focused on improving outcomes for children and families.
Featured
Research Projects
PAVE Study
CREW Network
Youth Mental Health Strategy
Remote Communities Project
Key research projects supported by Cassie + Friends — are designed to improve care, increase understanding, and address the real challenges faced by children, youth, and families living with rheumatic disease.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, researcher, or family member, there are opportunities to contribute to and benefit from ongoing research initiatives.
Related Research
Explore more ways to learn, participate, and connect.
Find related research resources, videos, stories, and answers to common questions about how Cassie + Friends supports pediatric rheumatology research and care.
Support Us
Why Research is Essential
Advances in research lead to earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and improved quality of life for children and families. By supporting and participating in research, we contribute to a growing body of knowledge that shapes care today and in the future.
“Research provides hope that maybe tomorrow will be a little bit easier and better than today. It allows me to find comfort in knowing that there are dedicated researchers working to generate new understandings, treatments and therapies.” — Teen living with JIA
Connecting Research and Lived Experience
Trusted, evidence informed information.
Research is strongest when it reflects real-world experiences. Cassie + Friends works to ensure that the voices of families and youth are included in research initiatives, helping shape more relevant and impactful outcomes.