For this edition of, “Where Are They Now?”, we caught up with Ravia Frison. You may remember Ravia from our What is JIA video, where she poignantly shares what it is like to live with an often invisible disease like JIA. We’re so honoured to share an update from Ravia, including some advice and words of encouragement for families and youth in the Cassie + Friends community. Ravia reminds us that, “ even after facing significant health challenges, there’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored.”

Hello, Cassie + Friends community!

I’m delighted to reconnect with all of you and share a bit about my journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). It’s been quite a ride, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to update you on where I am now, what’s ahead, and some thoughts I hope will inspire and support others.

My JIA journey began at the age of 13, just as I was starting high school and diving into my passion for soccer and basketball. The diagnosis was a tough pill to swallow, especially as it meant giving up the sports I loved so much. Not being able to play felt like losing a piece of myself. The impact was profound—not only did I lose the ability to play, but I also lost some friends along the way. It was a challenging time, but it taught me a lot about who truly matters. The real friends stuck by me.

Balancing school and health presented its own set of challenges. Fortunately, I had an incredible team of doctors, occupational therapists, and teachers who worked with me to make things a little easier. Their support and understanding played a crucial role in helping me manage my condition while keeping up with my studies.

At age 16 and 17, I underwent hip replacements—significant surgeries that changed my life. While these surgeries were incredibly difficult, they ultimately made me stronger. They taught me resilience and gave me a new perspective on my journey.

Fast forward to today, and I’m pleased to share that I’ve been in remission for about seven years. From my mid-20s to my current age of 32, the journey has been a series of trials and errors. I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out what works best for me, whether it’s related to diet, rest, or stress management.

Even now, I still have days that are tougher than others. On those days, I lean on the tools and strategies I’ve accumulated over the years. I’ve learned that I know my body better than anyone else, and trusting that knowledge is key to managing my condition effectively.

Among my proudest achievements is this period of remission and the ability to live a fuller, more adventurous life. I’ve learned that even though chronic illness can shape our lives in profound ways, it doesn’t have to define us. Instead, we have the power to shape our own experiences and pursue our dreams despite the obstacles.

One of the things I’m most excited about right now is travelling more with my husband. We recently did a trip to Europe at the beginning of this summer; exploring new places and sharing these adventures together has always been a dream of ours. It’s a reminder that even after facing significant health challenges, there’s a world of possibilities waiting to be explored.

Dear teens and young adults navigating life with a rheumatic disease, I want to offer some heartfelt advice: You are not alone. The journey can be isolating at times, but there is a supportive community here for you. Speak up about your needs and concerns, and don’t hesitate to seek out the support of those who care about you. Allow yourself to be cared for by the people who love you—they are a crucial part of your support system. Your voice matters, and your experiences are valid. Embrace the strength within you and lean on your support network when needed. Shout out to my family for always being there through this journey.

To the Cassie + Friends community: thank you for being a source of inspiration and support. As we all navigate our individual journeys, let’s continue to uplift one another and share our experiences. Together, we can face the challenges and celebrate the victories.

Ravia Frison