My name is Emma Linsley, and I was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis eight years ago, when I was 16.
At last year’s Saskatoon run, I had a deeply moving conversation with the mom of an adorable boy who has JA. We talked about the challenges of living with JA, and how, despite the hurdles, with the right community and support, kids can lead wonderfully full lives. Our conversation left such an impact that the mom shared it with her sister – a member of Local Companies That Care (LCTC) – who then nominated us to present at their bi-annual charity event.
Later that spring, I had the honour of representing C+F at their LCTC event and sharing the impact this charity has made on both myself and my family. It was then I realized the valuable lesson I had learned throughout my journey:
Resilience is not a measure of an individual’s strength — it’s a reflection of the strength of their community of support.
That’s why I’m passionate about Cassie + Friends, an organization that empowers families like mine by providing trusted educational resources, engaging programming, and a supportive community that truly understands what you’re going through.
I run with C+F with hopes of expanding their reach and bringing support to even more young people like me. The impact of their work cannot be overstated – it’s a lifeline for families navigating the endless challenges and decisions of pediatric rheumatic diseases.
Please consider joining me in Saskatoon on September 20th, in support of Cassie + Friends’ mission of a pain-free future today.
Thank you,
Emma Linsley
