Help Danica raise money

My Story 

Hi Everyone, My name is Dayton Craik and on June 22nd, I’ll be running to raise money for Cassie + Friends, the Juvenile Arthritis Society of Canada. This is my second year running, and I’m doing it in honour of my girlfriend, Danica, who has been living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) for the past 10 years. Right now, there is no cure. I’ve watched her face countless struggles, days when she can’t walk, mornings where she can’t open her jaw, and times when she’s been incredibly sick due to the effects of this autoimmune disease. It’s heartbreaking to witness, and yet she continues to be so strong. I’m running to raise awareness, funds, and hope for a better future for kids across the country living with JIA. The money I raise will go toward research, connection events, and more that you can read below.  Cassie + Friends is an amazing organization and community. Thank you for reading, and if you’re able to donate, I would be so grateful. Let’s make a difference together

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Danica's Story (In her own words)

Living with a childhood rheumatic disease means means facing both visible and invisible battles—pain that others can see, and challenges they can’t. Whether its at school, at home or inside your body, these diseases affect every part of a young person’s life. Cassie + Friends is there to make sure no child or family faces those battles without support, understanding, and strong community behind them.

This June, I’m challenging myself with the 5K Team Cassie + Friends Race. My goal is to raise awareness and funds for the 25,000 children across Canada living with Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

I was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at 11 years old. At the time, I was a dedicated athlete, and this diagnosis changed my life. It was during this time that I first came across Cassie + Friends. Since then, I’ve faced many challenges—everything from difficulties in the classroom to countless doctors’ visits, and learning how to manage life with a chronic condition. The resources that Cassie + Friends has provided me have been unmatched. It’s a hub of information and support that has helped guide me through every stage of my journey.

I’ve been actively involved with Team Cassie + Friends since high school, when I organized a community-led race at my school, Shawnigan Lake School. Later, I became involved with their fantastic Youth Mentorship Program as a mentor. This program creates space for mentors to build meaningful connections with kids living with rheumatic disease and to talk about shared experiences in a way that’s real and relatable.

But that’s just one of many incredible programs Cassie + Friends runs. They also supply communities with vital medical equipment, lead advocacy initiatives, support groundbreaking research, and host education events that bring families and experts together.

Currently, I’m working with the Cassie + Friends office as part of the Programs and Events team. It’s such a full-circle moment to be giving back to the very organization that has supported me for so many years.

Living with rheumatic diseases will always come with challenges but Cassie + Friends is working hard to make sure no one has to face those challenges alone. With the right support, community, and compassion, we can work toward a pain-free future for kids! 

#KidsCantWait for better care and a cure!