We are so excited to introduce you to our newest parent ambassadors, Tamara and Bobby-Jo, from our McMaster and SickKids centres!

Our parent ambassadors are often the first point of contact for newly diagnosed families and are there for anyone who might be struggling or need a hand finding resources. They also help plan events, stock our Cassie Cares cupboards, pack injection kits, and act as moderators for our JA Canada Parent Group. Read more about them below!

Meet Tamara!

Tamara is a Realtor in Waterloo Region with a background in marketing, graphic design, and event management. She has worked with many non-profit organizations during which she assisted with a multitude of events, including community runs, and fundraising events.

Tamara is passionate about giving back to her community and is looking forward to supporting Cassie + Friends as a Parent Ambassador. A cause close to her heart; Tamara’s daughter, Brooklyn, was diagnosed with Systemic Juvenile Arthritis in October 2023. Tamara lives in Waterloo with her husband, Chris, and their two children; Logan and Brooklyn. As a family they enjoy summer cottage visits, family movie nights, and attending local events.

Meet Bobby-Jo!

Bobby-Jo is the proud mother of her daughter, Harley. At just 2, Harley began experiencing severe pain and mobility issues, which led to her diagnosis of polyarticular JIA, affecting 34 of her joints, in December 2022. Thanks to a lot of different resources and medication, Harley is now 4 years old and lives a much more fulfilling life. She enjoys soccer, dancing, baseball, swimming, skating and just being outdoors!

Bobby-Jo shares, “If I can help even one parent, one day, feel less alone and understood, then this will all be worth it. I feel such a passion to be an active part of the C+F community, not only because of the support they offer my daughter but also for the support and community that they offer my husband and me. At a time when we felt so helpless, not being able to take away our daughter’s horrible pain, Cassie + Friends gave us optimism for a pain-free future for our girl and a cure for this horrible disease.”

You can read more about Bobby-Jo and Harley’s journey here, and more on why she chose to become a parent ambassador here.

Become a Parent Ambassador!

Cassie + Friends is a parent-founded, community-led organization that thrives thanks to the incredible dedication of parent volunteers. Our Parent Ambassadors are key leaders who go above and beyond to help us transform lives and work towards a pain-free future for kids with rheumatic diseases. Parent Ambassadors are passionate about making a difference, eager to connect with families, and ready to get involved in local initiatives like run/walks, equipment cupboards, and community events.

If you are interested in learning more or becoming a Parent Ambassador, please email marissa@cassieandfriends.ca. We can’t wait to hear from you!