#WhyIRun: Stephanie + Tommy’s Story

Meet Stephanie, who is running with Team Cassie + Friends to raise awareness for Juvenile Arthritis for her son, Tommy! Diagnosed with oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) just after his second birthday, Tommy’s journey has been full of ups and downs. Read more about their story below, and join families like Tommy’s by running or walking with Team Cassie + Friends anywhere in Canada. Whether you’re in Calgary, another race city, or joining virtually, your support makes a real difference. Learn more at cassieandfriends.ca/run.

Tommy’s Story

It was Easter weekend 2024 when our then 2-year-old son started to limp. While hunting for chocolate eggs, I noticed he was leading with his right leg and dragging his left leg behind. What was going on? Did he fall and hurt himself? The next day, my husband noticed swelling above his left knee.

Over the next month, we visited our family doctor multiple times, followed by an X-ray, ultrasound, bloodwork, and eventually a trip to the emergency room. From there, Tommy was referred to the Rheumatology clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary.

In May 2024, we received a diagnosis: oligoarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). At first, it appeared to only affect his left knee. We felt grateful for the quick diagnosis and hopeful that it was isolated. But by June, the arthritis had developed in his right knee, too. Later that summer, a physiotherapist at the Alberta Children’s Hospital noticed stiffness in his ankles, and now we are now exploring whether his toes may also be involved. It has been quite the journey!

Having a toddler with this disease is challenging. At times, Tommy can’t articulate how he’s feeling, so we rely on observation and instinct. One morning, he couldn’t stand and kept asking to be carried, unable to express what hurt, but clearly in pain.

Another challenge we’ve faced as two working parents is juggling his many appointments, managing his changing medication regimen, and keeping up with physiotherapy exercises.

When his Rheumatologist recommended starting methotrexate, I found myself spiralling through online articles, which made me feel quite anxious. That’s when I remembered the “Cassie + Friends” posters I had seen at the hospital. Their website led me to a video from a Canadian pediatric rheumatologist that explained everything I needed to know about methotrexate specific to Juvenile Arthritis. It gave me clarity, comfort, and the calm I was so desperately seeking. Since then, Cassie + Friends has been an incredible source of education and support. Their resources should be the first stop for any parent navigating a JIA diagnosis.

Thanks to a combination of joint injections, various medications, and physiotherapy, our now 3-year-old son is able to walk like a typical kid again! We are so grateful for the education and support from Cassie + Friends and the Rheumatology clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

On May 24th, I’ll be running 5 km to raise money and awareness for Juvenile Arthritis. I’m doing it for Tommy and for every family learning to navigate this disease one day at a time.

Run With Us—Wherever You Are

Join Team Cassie + Friends in Calgary, or run from anywhere in Canada as part of our growing virtual team. Every step you take helps support kids like Tommy and brings us closer to better care, earlier diagnoses, and one day—a cure. Sign up or learn more at cassieandfriends.ca/run. Because #KidsCantWait.