My Story…
I will be running 5K on May 24th to raise money for Juvenile Arthritis (JA).
It was Easter weekend 2024 when Tommy started limping. While the kids were doing their Easter Egg hunt I was watching and taking videos of his limp. What was going on? Did he fall and hurt himself? Didn't he have a bit of a limp last night too? That's when Jason noticed swelling above his left knee.
Several trips to the family doctor, an x-ray, ultrasound, bloodwork and emergency room trip later, Tommy was referred to the Rheumatology clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital. He was diagnosed with Oligoarticular Juvenile Arthritis (JA). We were lucky he was diagnosed rather quickly. A lot of kids go through months and years of pain and sometimes damage to their joints while awaiting a diagnosis.
Joint injections, medications and physio has helped Tommy walk like a normal 3 year old again! We are grateful for the education and support from Cassie and Friends charity and the Rheumatology clinic at the Alberta Children's Hospital.
Description
Help kids and youth with Juvenile Arthritis (JA) and rheumatic diseases see that #HopeFlares when we unite for stronger families, resilient youth and a cure!
In Canada, 3 in 1,000 kids face JA and related conditions like SJIA/Stills, lupus, fever syndromes, JDM and autoinflammatory disorders. These diseases can lead to chronic pain, disability, vision loss, mental health struggles, and even life-threatening complications—yet they remain drastically underfunded and overlooked, with only 20% awareness nationwide.
Team Cassie + Friends is Canada’s only movement 100% dedicated to the JA community. What began with one dad running in 2007 has grown into 750+ runners and thousands of donors rallying together annually for a pain-free future for kids!
By supporting our run/walk, you’ll directly support:
Groundbreaking research into precision medicine, mental health, and a cure
Vital resources like free medical equipment, financial aid, and Comfort Kits
Mentorship for youth and caregivers
Education and connection events for families
Advocacy for earlier diagnosis and equitable care
Together, we can bring hope, support, and brighter futures for kids facing lifelong challenges.
Questions? Contact Marissa Sangers at marissa@cassieandfriends.ca
If registration cost is a barrier, ask about our Kids Run Free bursary program.
Recent donors
Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
---|---|---|
May 13 | Patricia Healy | $27.60 |
May 13 | Laura Ziegler | $107.72 |
Mar 25 | QV Investors Inc. | $535.02 |
Mar 20 | Jason Reed | $250.00 |
Mar 19 | Millsteads | $54.31 |
Mar 18 | Janet Mills | $54.31 |
Mar 18 | Beth Mills | $107.72 |
Mar 18 | Anonymous | $107.72 |
Mar 18 | Donna Reed | $107.72 |
Mar 17 | Stephanie Mills | $54.31 |