My team
My Story…
On June 22nd I will be running in Vancouver for all the kids - and there are 24,000 of them - in Canada with Juvenile Arthritis.
When my daughter Cassie was diagnosed it was a time of fear and loneliness; figuring out what was going on with her health and looking for any support we could find.
At that time there was no support for kids and no support for families.....so we created Cassie + Friends Society and now there is support for kids and families across Canada.
This year I am running with a specific focus. To now raise funds for life changing research.
We are funding and supporting amazing research happening right here at BC Children's' Hospital. This research, called Dare.ca, is a big step to giving the kids and families the dream we all dream of. A life without the pain of Juvenile Arthritis
Please give generously and support Cassie + Friends and together we will transform lives!
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 11 | Ian and Sandy Penn | $193.18 |
| Jun 10 | Pamela Clarke | $500.00 |
| Jun 10 | Mark Gurvis | $100.00 |
| Jun 10 | Ray Glicksohn | $1,069.14 |
| Jun 10 | Adam Shafron | $250.00 |
| Jun 10 | Anonymous | $1,069.14 |
| Jun 10 | Alex and Jodi Cristall | $385.46 |
| Jun 10 | Praveen & Anuja Varshney | $108.79 |
| Jun 10 | Larry Moscovitz | $100.00 |
| Jun 10 | hendrik zessel | $535.02 |
