Help Cara raise money

Dear friends,

I have always been a huge supporter of "Cassie and Friends".  As you all know, I have worked with children with juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases for many years.  "Cassie and Friends" is a charity that is dedicated 100% specifically to kids with rheumatic diseases.  They help to support research and provide education, advocacy and peer support to kids and their families that are living with pediatric rheumatic diseases. One of the highlights of my career a few years ago was hosting a family education day with Cassie and Friends in Edmonton. We brought together many of our families from far and wide across northern Alberta.  We had hoped to have many more family days following that, but COVID-19 changed our plans.  Cassie and Friends pivoted and they have been providing amazing virtual educational sessions for our families last year and this year.  They continue to connect families and help to facilitate peer support for kids, teens and parents.  They have developed a youth leader network.  They plan provide a lending cupboard for our PRC (Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic) families in Edmonton in the next few months.

As most of you know, I have long covid.  I have never appreciated peer support more than these last 18 months while dealing with my own illness.  I feel passionate about organizations that bring people together that are challenged with the same condition and I continue to be passionate about helping support kids with JIA (juvenile idiopathic arthritis) and other rheumatic diseases. Some members of our PRC team in Edmonton are participating in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon (virtually) on Sunday, September 19 to raise money for Cassie and Friends. As I am not capable of running or walking long distances, I will be riding my mobility scooter for 5 km with other members of our PRC team while we walk/scoot in support of Cassie and Friends. Please consider making a donation to this Scotiabank Calgary Marathon charity run to support the "Cassie and Friends" charity and help make a difference in the life of a child living with a rheumatic disease.

Donations will be accepted from now until September 30, 2021. Go Team Cassie and Friends Edmonton!