Lupus
The Long Road to a Name: Daniela’s Lupus Story
Daniela is an 18-year-old youth living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. In this piece, she shares her journey to diagnosis, the realities of growing up with a chronic illness, and how her experiences have shaped her passion for advocacy and helping others navigating childhood-onset rheumatic disease.
World Lupus Day: Hunter’s Journey from Diagnosis to Mentorship and Research
This World Lupus Day, we’re honoured to share a guest blog from one of our incredible youth mentors, Hunter. Diagnosed with lupus at just nine years old, Hunter faced more than most kids his age. Now at 24, Hunter works as a research assistant at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, helping…
#WhyIRun – Two Sisters’ Story
Hello, my name is Queena, and I was diagnosed with Lupus and Juvenile Arthritis in 2021. During this time, it was hard to ask for help. For the most part my “illness” – or whatever was causing my swollen joints and excruciating pain – was invisible. It wasn’t until later…
250 kids, families and friends set to attend first Edmonton Family Day
“I am hoping our daughter will be able to meet other girls her age with arthritis.” “Willing to do anything to learn more about JIA.” “We are hoping to connect with other families that have been through the hard time of arthritis and are trying to have a normal childhood…
Brick by Brick: Youth leaders build the patient experience they never had in hopes of helping others
Author: Zoya Jiwa, YLC Program Designer and founder of As We Are Style – a blog about facing health challenges with courage and style. Last weekend, Cassie + Friends’ Youth Leadership Committee got together for our first team retreat on a surprisingly sunny afternoon (thank you, Vancouver!) with a lot of excitement…
Camp Cassie and Friends: A Family Camp | Family Day 2018 Conference Program
Our annual Family Day conference for Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is in JUST ONE WEEK – and we can’t wait! On Saturday, October 13th, we’ll welcome over 370 kids, families and friends for a life-changing day of connection, learning and fun at the Delta Burnaby Conference Centre in…
Westland Insurance Group & Northbridge Insurance: Champions for Kids
We are excited to announce that our longtime “Champion for Kids” partner, Mardon Insurance, now part of Westland Insurance Group has donated an incredible $10,000 to Team Cassie and Friends in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. This generous donation will go directly towards transforming the lives of kids and families affected by…
Champion for Kids Profile: Trillium Projects
In the final stretch to race day with Team Cassie and Friends in the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon and 5km Charity Challenge, we are thrilled to announce our “Champions for Kids” level donors – a circle of our most committed friends who have stepped up to support kids and families…