‘It was so nice when my daughter came to me and said, “Mom, I finally have someone who knows what I am feeling and talking about!”

Honestly, this is a very big blessing and I would say it is as important as medication. Mental health is so important, and my daughter feels so much better after a session.’

– C+F Parent Testimonial

Upcoming Events

Meet the C+F Youth Mentors!

All of our mentors are trained using the iPeer2Peer training program developed at SickKids Hospital. As a part of their training program, they attend a 3-day training course and complete the mental health literacy ‘Be There Certification’ through Jack.org. Upon completing the training program, they are set up to have meaningful conversations and identify when additional help might be needed.

At the age of two, I was diagnosed with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. As a young girl with arthritis, there were many times that I wished for mentorship and support. Now aged twenty, I would be delighted to provide that mentorship and support for youth who are just like me.

For the first half of my journey with juvenile arthritis, I received treatment at the pediatric outpatient clinic at one of the hospitals in my hometown, the Regina General Hospital. Later, my family and I began to travel three hours north to receive treatment at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, and Jim Pattison’s General Hospital. At the age of nineteen, I made the transition from pediatric to adult care. Still, I make the drive to Saskatoon to receive adult rheumatology care.

My 18-year journey with juvenile arthritis includes a wide variety of experiences. Some shared health-specific experiences that I am particularly open to chatting about include TMJ arthritis and jaw surgery, ulcerative colitis, and making the transition to adult care.

Aside from our diagnoses, I am sure we will have so much more in common. Let me tell you a bit more about me. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Regina, majoring in health studies. I love to swim, cycle, travel, and jam out to Taylor Swift.

I look forward to connecting with you!

My name is Maryse, I am 20 years old. I am a university student at the University of Calgary. In my free time, I enjoy making art and spending time with my shih-tzu dog, Ernie.

I was diagnosed with lupus at age 10. I received my diagnosis and pediatric care at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. I have experience with lupus with secondary CNS involvement. I have knowledge and experience in dealing with school, chronic illness, transition to adult care, and self-care through difficult times.

I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you!

I am 21 years old and was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis when I was 3.

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I was born and raised in London, Ontario, and I enjoy reading, working out, and watching TV and anime. Some of my favorites are Stranger Things, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and One Piece! I’ve played hockey, soccer, and competitive volleyball, and now I keep my joints healthy by biking and practicing karate. I just finished my third year studying health sciences at McMaster University, and I’m spending the summer in Toronto working with a rheumatologist at the Toronto Western Hospital.

My journey with arthritis began when I was learning to skate. After getting off the ice, my dad noticed my left knee had swelled to the size of a grapefruit. Soon after, my family took me to Sick Kids in Toronto, where I was diagnosed by a rheumatologist. Over the years, arthritis has affected my jaw, neck, knees, and ankles. I’ve had two surgeries related to arthritis. The first was at 16 to remove a piece of bone lodged between my ankle and Achilles tendon, and the second at 19 to clear out damaged cartilage from my ankle. Both surgeries were successful and have helped me maintain an active lifestyle.

Although arthritis has caused countless challenges, it has also taught me a lot about myself and others. One key lesson is about true strength. Strength isn’t just about lifting heavy objects or climbing mountains; it’s about fighting a battle that might have no end. Waking up every day and moving through life despite the pain takes immense strength. What’s important is to never give up—you’ll find that you are much stronger because of it.

I’m 25, born in PEI, and I’ve lived in New Brunswick, Ontario, BC, and now Nova Scotia. I’m a computer nerd, but outside of work, I spend most of my time playing piano or swing dancing by the waterfront. I love to bake and I’m addicted to chocolate.

Diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitis at age 3, I’ve been on methotrexate for 20 years. Some years I could pretend to be an ordinary person, but in others, I felt sick most of the time and isolated. Nobody understood what it was like to have a rheumatic disease. I learned that sometimes it was easier to mask what I felt and let others think I was fine.

I hope you’ll hop on a call and say hello!

Hello there! My name is Reine Hodroj, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself to you. I’m 24 years old and originally from a small, vibrant town, but two years ago, I made a significant move to Canada. I started my professional journey as a graphic designer and have since transitioned into the dynamic field of marketing. However, the most defining part of my story revolves around my journey with Behçet’s Disease.

Living with this rare rheumatic disease has inspired me to give back to the community. I started my blog, “Being Rare,” to share my story and amplify the voices of others living with similar conditions. Through my blog, I discuss life with rheumatic disease, provide insights, and cover other important topics within this sphere. My goal is to create a supportive and informative space for those affected by rare diseases.

In addition to my blog, I am proud to volunteer with Cassie and Friends, a remarkable organization dedicated to supporting children and families affected by juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

To my future mentees, I want you to know that you are not alone. Living with a rare disease can be isolating, but together, we can create a supportive community where you feel understood and empowered. I am here to walk with you through your challenges, celebrate your victories, and help you realize your full potential. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and supporting you through this journey.

I am 26 years old and received care from Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary for polyarticular JIA! Currently, my rheumatologist is at the Richmond Road Centre in Calgary which is part of the YARD program for transitional care that I went through when I turned 18.

I’m comfortable talking with you about anxiety, discomfort with the disease, recent diagnosis, or personal relationships. I’m open to discussing my treatment and how myself and family navigated the processes of all things medical, as well as how to navigate transitional care and self-advocating!

I’m comfortable talking with you about anxiety, discomfort with the disease, recent diagnosis, or personal relationships. I’m open to discussing my treatment and how myself and family navigated the processes of all things medical, as well as how to navigate transitional care and self-advocating!

Excited to meet you!

I’m 25 and spend a lot of my free time reading, writing, hiking, and watching movies!

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at 14, just as I was starting high school. I had to learn to manage the disease through school, jobs, and sports. I danced competitively most of my life and continued competing after my diagnosis. I had hip surgery at 15 and have taken various medications over the years. Currently, I’m on methotrexate and will soon start a biologic.

I’m happy to listen to your stories and experiences as you navigate your own diagnosis!

I’m currently studying English Literature at the University of Toronto.

I love all things literature, acting, and rowing. As a typical English Literature major, Jane Austen is my favorite author. I’m also a big fan of Margaret Atwood and recently worked as a student researcher on a project about her led by a U of T professor. If you love Margaret Atwood, I’m definitely the mentor for you (just kidding – kind of).

I’m also passionate about acting and theatre. Last year, I served as the president of my college’s dramatic society, where I produced three shows, ran numerous workshops, and raised several thousand dollars for Cassie + Friends through our concession stand and ticket sales! Acting in school shows is a favorite pastime of mine, and my most humorous performance was playing Zeke in High School Musical. Let’s just say I’m not a star basketball player. I’d love to hear about your favorite theatre experiences!

I also lead the University of Toronto Rheumatic Disease Club. If you’re a U of T student, please get in touch! We can send you a care package, help you navigate accessibility services, connect you with other youth who have rheumatic diseases, and just be there for you.

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in my mid-teens. Coming from Vancouver, I received care at BC Children’s Hospital. I was an avid rock climber and competitive rower, but I started finding it harder to hold onto rock climbing holds and rowing oars as my hands and wrists became very stiff, swollen, and painful – to the point where I couldn’t even hold a pen. My arthritis progressed and made daily tasks like dressing and eating challenging. I’ve been on biologic medication for several years now. I’m here to talk about transition, injections, and all things JIA.

Can’t wait to connect with you!

I am a student at the University of Guelph studying Human Nutrition.

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) when I was eight and received care at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto before transitioning to the Women’s College Hospital JIA Transition Clinic. I’ve experienced both pediatric care and the transition to adult care firsthand. I even participated in a research project focused on the transition experience for JIA patients in Canada.

I’m comfortable talking about healthy living with arthritis, managing social situations, moving away from home, taking responsibility for health care, and living a life independent from my disease.

In my free time, I love traveling, cooking, being active outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Can’t wait to connect!

C+F Youth Mentorship Program FAQS

The C+F Youth Mentorship Program provides a safe and secure space where trained mentors can share their lived experiences, tips, and advice in navigating growing up with JA or another rheumatic disease and where mentees can ask questions in a judgment-free setting with a peer that ‘just gets it’.

There’s a lot going on when you’re a kid – school, making friends, extracurriculars. As you get older, this list gets even longer: graduating high school and beginning post-secondary, jobs, relationships, travel, and more. And, when you’re living with juvenile arthritis or another rheumatic disease there are even more considerations:

  • How do I talk to my teachers/coaches about my health needs?
  • How do I tell my friends?
  • How do I balance school, work, and other commitments with all of my doctor’s appointments and the need to take care of myself?
  • How do I travel with my medication? Can I access my prescriptions in other countries?
  • When my friends start dating and going to parties, are there things that I need to consider related to my health?

All of these questions (and so many more) can be overwhelming – the C+F Youth Mentorship Program can help!

All of our mentors are trained using the iPeer2Peer training program developed at SickKids Hospital. As a part of their training program, they attend a 3-day training course and complete the mental health literacy ‘Be There Certification’ through Jack.org. Upon completing the training program, they are set up to have meaningful conversations and identify when additional help might be needed.

Ways to Get Involved the the Youth Mentorship Program

Become a Mentee

Receive support as a C+F Youth Mentee:

This means you are looking to access peer support from a trained C+F Youth Mentor. All mentors are directly affected by a childhood rheumatic disease.

Find a mentor today!

Become a Mentor

Give support by becoming a trained C+F Youth Mentor:

Each of our mentors have been trained and equipped with the skills and resources needed to coach their mentees through various ups and downs of their rheumatic disease journeys.

Become a mentor today!

Connect with a Mentor whichever way is right FOR YOU!

You might not be ready to jump on a video call and dive right in with a mentor that you’ve never met before… And that’s okay! There are plenty of ways that you can connect with a mentor, including:

  • Receive a personalized letter or video message from one of our mentors
  • Schedule a phone call with a mentor
  • Attend one of our youth connection events where you can ask questions and receive advice in a group setting

We’re here to support you in whatever way you’re most comfortable with! Reach out to jessica@cassieandfriends.ca to chat more about which option is best for you!

Thoughts from Our Mentors

Request a letter from our mentors!

“I find people are more curious than anything and enjoy learning about how a young person has an “old person’s disease” . When people said this to me when I was younger, it really got under my skin. It doesn’t bother me anymore, as I turned it into an opportunity to educate!”

“It wasn’t until I was on that zoom call with six other people my age who had my same diagnosis as me that I truly felt seen in my experiences in growing up with JIA. The connection to the others was instant: it was so comforting to meet others who had also been through the same things I had.”

Thank You to our Community Partners