Help us raise money

It has been a big year for Team AJ! Audrey was diagnosed with JIA at 18 months old. She has endured many weekly and bi-weekly injections, daily mediations, MRIs, joint injections, and recently major ankle surgery. 

On Jan 25, 2024, Audrey underwent major ankle surgery to correct the movement in her talus bone due to the damage from the arthritis. She spent 5 days in the hospital requiring pain management as they had to break and pin her tibia to place the ankle back in joint. She needed 6 weeks of casting, pin removal X2, and 2 months in a walking boot. She is currently in an ankle brace which she will be wearing for the better part of the next year and undergoing physiotherapy.

Audrey handles her numerous appointments, bloodwork, and imaging with grace - she is the only 4-year-old I know who bravely endured an awake MRI (no sedation)! GO, Audrey!! 

Audrey just turned 5 years old a couple of days ago and we are once again asking for your support for our team as we walk with our favorite organization, Cassie +Friends.

In the months leading up to her surgery and afterward, we have leaned on Cassie + Friends and are so grateful for the support and community they provide - outside of the research funding, advocacy for patients, medical support/devices for kids, and education. 

We hope you can contribute towards our goal for this fundraising year. Audrey will be going into Kindergarten this year, and this walk/run in Edmonton is so important, not just because it helps support kids with juvenile arthritis and rheumatic disease, but it allows for Audrey to meet other children like her. 

Thank you for the support over the years, 

Love, this JIA Mama.