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Help us raise money

For participating in 2024 TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon

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Donations for this organization are currently closed.

Our story…

Teddy’s journey with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis began at the young age of three. His knee was so swollen he had trouble walking. As he started to become immobile in his leg, our pediatrician setup an appointment for us with a rheumatologist. Teddy was diagnosed with JRA. He was prescribed Naproxen, and after a month or so, we realized it wasn’t working, so he had to go to Sick Kids and be put under general anesthesia for a cortison injection in his knee. He didn’t have any flare ups for about a year after that. This happened countless times since then, first trying different preventative pain medications that didn’t work, then off to Sick Kids for general anesthesia and a cortison injection. 


We are currently trying something new, and he is on weekly Methotrexate medication. We are hopeful that this will help and be preventative of any future flare ups. We are so grateful for our rheumatologist and Sick Kids Hospital during this journey. When I heard about Cassie and Friends, an incredible resource for rheumatic diseases for kids and families, I showed Teddy right away. He was so excited to see that he is not alone, and there are many other kids out there in a similar situation. Learning about this years run, Teddy was eager to particiate. We are excited to walk in this years 5k, and to raise money for such an amazing cause. 

Description

This year, our team 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:

  • Providing parents with access to a private Online Support Network
  • Supporting families with emergency funds and medical equipment 
  • Helping fund Monthly Expert-Led educational webinars
  • Connecting youth with trained peer mentors
  • Fueling critical Advocacy + research into safer Treatments and a cure.

Thank you for your support towards a pain-free future for kids and families affected by juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases!

#TeamCassieAndFriends #JAWontStopMe

Team members

Click on one of our team members below to make a donation.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Sep 05 Mary Aquino You are a little warrior! $27.80
Sep 05 Mansi Seksaria $54.63
Sep 04 Miriana and Mimmo Posca ♥️ $54.63
Sep 03 Michelle Posca For Theo! Xoxo $22.43
Sep 03 Carmela Simeone $54.63
Sep 03 Lina Tenaglia Good luck $108.31
Sep 03 Claudia Salvaggio $27.80
Sep 03 Antonio Marchese $25.00
Sep 03 Susan Ruffolo All the best to Teddy as he navigates through this journey. $54.63
Sep 03 Amira Yacoub $50.00