#WhyIRun – Audrey’s Story

In this #WhyIRun, we hear from the Rose family, who share their daughter Audrey’s journey with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Audrey and her family will be participating in our upcoming run/walk at Hamilton’s Road2Hope marathon on November 2, 2024, where they are not only the top fundraiser for Cassie + Friends but also the top team for the whole marathon! Our big thanks to the Rose family for helping raise awareness about JIA and for their amazing #JAWontStopMe attitude! Read more about Audrey’s story below, and visit cassieandfriends.ca/run to sign up for an in-person Team Cassie + Friends run/walk or our virtual team today.

Audrey’s Story

Receiving the diagnosis of JIA was a huge relief for our family as we finally had an answer to why our sweet girl woke up throughout the night and every morning screaming. It helped explain why she was always frustrated, refused to walk and walked with a limp when she did.

After 2 years of searching for an answer, ultrasound results recommended a referral to rheumatology. At that point, we went straight to Google to figure out why our 3-year-old would need a rheumatologist. We are forever grateful that our search was very short, and we did not have to go down the Google rabbit hole, as Cassie + Friends was the first page we looked at and never needed to look any further. We were so happy it was a Canadian organization and couldn’t believe all the amazing information. We were very fortunate to get in with the Pediatric Rheumatology team at McMaster quickly. Coincidentally, the team at McMaster recommended Cassie + Friends as a resource which reassured us we were at the right place. The Rheumatology team went above and beyond throughout the diagnosis. There was such a relief of finally having answers and being under the care of such a supportive and caring team.

Audrey started on Naproxen and Methotrexate immediately. She was also scheduled for joint injections. After several months there was minimal improvement, so she switched from taking Methotrexate orally to injections. This switch was scary, but we finally saw a huge improvement. It has been two years, Audrey is now 5 and a half and is unfortunately still on the same medication, along with many other supplements and meds to relieve the side effects of the drugs, but we remain hopeful one day she will no longer need it.

Our journey continues as Audrey’s latest blood work revealed she likely has Celiac Disease, which is not usual when already having an autoimmune disease. We are currently in the process of confirming this diagnosis and again are thankful for all the resources available through Cassie + Friends.

Throughout all the needle pokes, daily medications, tests, and appointments, Audrey continues to make us proud and impress those around her. She is so brave and strong! Our wish is to spread awareness so JIA is considered, so no parent has to search for answers, and no child has to live in pain.