Help Charlotte raise money

When I was just 2 years old, I had a big swollen toe. My mom and dad questioned it but thought it was just a break or bruise. They began to worry after a few days when I refused to walk on it without crying. Our local hospital thought it might have been a break, but didn’t see anything on x-rays. My mom trusted her gut and knew it was something more. We went to the Children’s Hospital in London, ON where they didn’t give up until they knew exactly why I was in so much pain. It took almost a year, multiple referrals and tests until finally a doctor said to us “this looks like Juvenile Arthritis.” 

My parents were shocked – and confused. No one in my family had never heard of JIA! Kids could get arthritis?! As the last 7 years have passed since this strange big toe – I have tried more than 10 different medications, had multiple joint injections, daily physiotherapy, types of braces and supports and struggled with the physical and emotional tole of her condition. I now take daily medications and go for Biologic infusions at the Children’s hospital every 4 weeks just to keep my pain under some sort of control – and it still isn’t perfect. I do love hospital days as I have made many friends through Cassie and Friends.

Through Cassie + Friends, My family has been able to be part of a team fundraising for things such as the Loan Cupboard at LHSC (providing supports and resources to families with JIA and other rheumatic diseases), educate friends and family with informative, research based information, and find supports to help me no longer feel alone.