My team
My Story…
Hi everyone,
I'm Frances, a proud mom to my amazing daughter Danica.
When Danica was just 11 years old, she was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis. I'm running this race for her—and for the 25,000 other kids across Canada who are living with this painful and often invisible disease.
Danica’s journey with arthritis has been anything but easy. Her diagnosis was long, complicated, and heartbreaking. As a parent, it was devastating to watch my once active, athletic daughter suddenly struggle just to walk, even needing crutches to get around. We didn’t understand what was happening or why. It was a time filled with confusion, fear, and endless questions.
Through every doctor’s visit, every injection, and every moment of uncertainty, I had to stay strong for her. But Danica? She showed more strength than I ever imagined possible. Today, I’m so proud to share that she now works with Cassie + Friends, the very organization that supported us and now she helps lead the charge in creating hope and community for other families like ours.
To every parent out there watching your child face a health battle: you are not alone. I see you. It’s hard, but it will be okay.
My greatest hope is that the future of Juvenile Arthritis looks nothing like what Danica went through—that with continued research, support, and advocacy, we will find better treatments, earlier diagnoses, and one day, a cure.
Please help me raise funds for Cassie + Friends, an incredible organization that works tirelessly to ensure that no child faces arthritis alone and that every family receives the care and support they deserve.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
– Frances
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 22 | Wonderbucks | $200.00 |
| Jun 18 | Irene Blazich | $107.72 |
| Jun 18 | The Goodwyns | $300.00 |
| Jun 18 | Anonymous | $107.72 |
| Jun 17 | Joann Moschenross | $107.72 |
| Jun 16 | Trish & Bill Weaver | $107.72 |
| Jun 16 | Felicity Scott Georgia and Fraser | $100.00 |
| Jun 15 | Marlene and Frank | $107.72 |
| Jun 15 | Sam and Pam | $100.00 |
| Jun 15 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
