My team
My Story…
Hello! My name is Nicholas and I have a Rheumatic Disease.
My body doesn't work the way most peoples' bodies work. Instead of my soldiers (my immune system) only fighting the bad guys like germs, it gets confused and attacks the good guys too - my healthy joints and bones. This causes my body, especially in my knees, ankles and feet to get very inflamed and hurt a lot. Sometimes it hurts so much that I can't walk, run or skate.
I see a lot of doctors, take a lot of medicine and get a lot of needles to help keep my soldiers working properly. The problem with these medicines is they have a lot of side effects and sometimes they make my soldiers not work enough and that is why I am immunocompromised. Even before Covid I had to be very careful to not get sick - regular colds and flus are a lot more dangerous for me. My mom makes me and my family wash our hands a lot !!!
I really like seeing everyone at Cassie and Friends because there are so many kids just like me. It is helpful to hear how they overcome obstacles and to try their ideas. Cassie and Friends makes our family not feel so alone.
I was diagnosed when I was a baby so this is all I have ever known, but I really hope for there to be a cure one day and then I won't have this disease anymore.
Please join our family as we lace up with our Team from McMaster Children's Hospital, Kids Physio Group and TD Bank for the Around the Bay Road Race in support of Cassie and Friends and kids just like me!
Description
This year, I will be running in support of kids and families affected by juvenile arthritis (JA) and other rheumatic diseases with Cassie + Friends Society. Cassie + Friends is a national charity focused 100% on kids and families impacted by juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Cassie + Friends provides much needed education, awareness, support programs, advocacy and research to families across Canada.
What is JA?
JA is an incurable autoimmune disease in kids that attacks healthy joints and steals childhoods. It’s just as common as Juvenile Diabetes (every 3 in 1000 kids) and yet receives a fraction of the research, awareness and support. Kids with JA live with pain, fatigue and fevers, and many require aggressive medications like chemotherapy.
In 2022, Cassie + Friends is raising money for:
- Fueling critical advocacy + research funding into safer treatments and a cure.
- Supporting families with emergency funds and medical equipment
- Helping fund Monthly Expert-Led educational webinars
- Connecting youth with trained peer mentors
Thank you for your support towards a pain-free future for kids and families affected by juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases!
#TeamCassieAndFriends #JAWontStopMe
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 06 | Randy and Reet Wiseman | CA$108.31 |
| Mar 28 | Vic & Connie Cote | CA$54.63 |
| Mar 28 | Laura and Mike Stone | CA$108.31 |
| Mar 27 | Kimberley Carney | CA$50.00 |
| Mar 27 | Alex patton | CA$269.32 |
| Mar 27 | The Buchelt’s | CA$33.16 |
| Mar 26 | Stephanie Demers | CA$25.00 |
| Mar 26 | Saul & Bonnie | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 26 | The Murphy Family | CA$108.31 |
| Mar 25 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
