This is Charlotte – a sweet, strong, yoga-loving six year old from Woodstock, ON. Charlotte was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Enthesitis-related Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis Flares, and is monitored for uveitis. She doesn’t respond to typical medications. She requires daily physiotherapy and the support of orthotics, ankle braces, and medications.

Charlotte’s Story: “Charlotte was not quite 2 years old when we noticed the ‘big toe’. Her big toe was swollen to almost 3x the size. We thought she had broken it and went for x-rays. We were told it was probably just a sprain. A couple of weeks later, Charlotte couldn’t walk. I remember carrying her into the ER at our local hospital but they we are unsure of the cause of the swelling. After 8 hours, we took her to the Children’s hospital in London.”

~ Charlotte’s mom

It was 8 months before she saw a specialist and was diagnosed. Pediatric rheumatologists are still searching for the right treatment to relieve her chronic pain and to help her live like a regular kid in elementary school. She loves to make friends and wants to fit in. Through Cassie + Friends she has been able to meet other kids just like her and who understand what it feels like to live with arthritis.

Please donate today to help transform the lives of kids like Charlotte!