Youth Stories
Real Experiences. Real Resilience.Real Growth.
Helping others along the way.
Every young person’s journey with rheumatic disease is different. These stories share the lived experiences of youth who are navigating challenges, building confidence, and finding their voice.
Through connection, support, and community, these young people are showing what’s possible — and helping others feel less alone along the way.
Featured Story
Sidney’s Story
“When I first diagnosed, it felt like no one around understood what I was going through. Managing school, friendships, and treatment all at once was overwhelming.” — Sidney
Meet Sidney.
When Sidney was first diagnosed, it felt like no one around her understood what she was going through. Managing school, friendships, and treatment all at once was overwhelming.
Everything changed when she connected with other youth through Cassie + Friends. Through shared experience, she began to build confidence, speak openly about her journey, and take on leadership opportunities within the community. Today, Sidney is helping other youth feel seen, supported, and empowered.
At first, it was difficult to explain what she was experiencing. Some days were harder than others, and the unpredictability of symptoms made it challenging to keep up with school and social life. Like many teens, she didn’t want to feel different — but at times, it was hard not to.
Through Cassie + Friends, Sidney began connecting with other youth who understood those exact challenges. Hearing others talk openly about injections, fatigue, and navigating friendships helped normalize what she was going through. It gave her a sense of relief — and a reminder that she wasn’t alone.
Over time, those connections turned into confidence. Sidney became more comfortable speaking about her experience, asking for support when she needed it, and finding ways to stay engaged in the things that mattered to her. What once felt overwhelming began to feel more manageable.
Getting involved in youth programs opened new opportunities. She started participating in conversations, sharing her perspective, and eventually stepping into leadership roles. Being part of a community that valued her voice helped her see her experience not as a limitation, but as something that could help others.
Today, Sidney continues to stay connected, support other youth, and advocate for greater awareness. Her journey reflects what’s possible when young people are given the space, support, and community to grow — at their own pace and on their own terms.
More Youth Stories
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.
My Life with PFAPA: Kai’s Story
We’re honoured to share a guest blog from one of our incredible youth in the community, Kai. Diagnosed with PFAPA at just seven years old, Kai faced more than most kids his age.
#WhyIRun: Emma’s Hope
My name is Emma Linsley, and I was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis eight years ago, when I was 16. At last year’s Saskatoon run, I had a deeply moving conversation with the mom of an adorable boy who has JA. We talked about the challenges of living with JA, and…
Navigating Morphea – Michelle’s Story
For most of my life, I’ve had Morphea. Starting as a red mark on my chin as ayoung child, it eventually turned darker and over the years, spread to areas onmy forehead, and neck. Morphea, also known as localized Scleroderma, is an auto immune disease thatcauses hardened and darkened patches…
Living with JIA – Lisa’s Journey
It started out as sharp pain in my hips which I believed to be a pulled muscle;however, it soon progressed into a severe pain and stiffness. Days passed as I usedcrutches to simply walk around, and I remember that any instance of lying downexacerbated the pain, leaving me immobilized. As…
#WhyIRun: Chase’s Story
Meet Chase, a brave and resilient 4-year-old from London, ON, who is inspiring his family, friends, and community to step up for kids affected by Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM)—a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and skin rashes. This year, Chase’s family is joining Team Cassie + Friends to raise awareness and…
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Every experience matters. By sharing your story, you can help others feel supported, understood, and inspired.