Caden was diagnosed with JIA when she was just 3 years old. When we first noticed her limping, we thought she may have hurt her knee skiing as we had just taken her for her first lessons. Then one morning I saw her sneaking down the stairs from her bedroom, taking each step on her bottom and then sliding herself across the hardwood to our room. At that point I knew it wasn’t from skiing, and something was wrong.

Our journey through her diagnosis was scary but I was amazed at the wrap around care we were given each step of the way at BC Children’s Hospital and from Cassie + Friends. We took each step and followed the instructions we were given.

We attended the annual Cassie + Friend’s Family Day’s without fail. One year we sat with families who had similar diagnoses. Caden was about to begin weekly injections of Methotrexate for her Uveitis. Another couple at our lunch table that day had already been down that path. Their story scared us, but their advice was invaluable. It helped us through some tough days.

Caden developed a needle phobia. Over the years, we found some creative ways to manage. Caden needed Emla cream before her injection. We found a way to use saran wrap to hold the Emla in place by making a well and then covering it up. Caden also had a ‘tool kit’ that she made when she worked with a psychologist. This included breathing exercises, a step by step plan she could follow and practice needles. She also set up some rewards to help her through the tough days.

We had many people supporting Caden from BC Children’s Hospital and Cassie + Friends. She met friends at Camp Capilano. We are deeply grateful for all the support Caden has received.

Today she is an active 14 year old. She plays soccer and mountain bikes. There are still some bumpy days – nausea, needles, blood work and extra vaccines. She has her tool kit, a great support system and positive attitude!

Want to learn more about overcoming needlephobia and some of the strategies Caden used for her medication injections? Join us at our next webinar, Injections 101, on Thursday, November 25th (4:30 pm PST/7:30 pm EST) to hear from both Caden and her mom, Colleen, as well as Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Nicole Johnson of Alberta Children’s Hospital. Register Today!