My Story…
Inspired by our daughter's journey with Juvenile Arthritis, our family is aiming to raise $10,000 so kids can access practical tools and supports they need through Cassie + Friends, a registered Canadian charity helping kids with JA and other rheumatic diseases. We want all children to have the chance to feel good and function well so they can participate fully at home, at school and in life.
100% of the funds raised will go toward two C+F programs that are especially important to help kids with pain relief and other supports:
The CassieCares Equipment Cupboard program provides resources where JA care happens. Located inside pediatric rheumatology clinics across Canada, these cupboards allow healthcare teams to quickly provide the most-needed supplies to families facing urgent need, pain, or treatment challenges. From wrist braces and mobility aids to pain-relief tools, gas cards, and grocery support, the Cupboard removes barriers, improves treatment adherence, and helps families breathe a little easier—no paperwork, no delays, no cost.
The Family Funds program allows Cassie + Friends to respond to exceptional, one-time requests that can transform a child’s daily life—from swim passes for post-surgery rehab, to a bed rail for a child unable to lift themselves out of bed, to emergency counselling.
Thank you for helping Morgan and 24,000 other Canadian children with this chronic disease get the support they deserve.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 07 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Oct 07 | The Noble Family | $54.63 |
| Oct 07 | J | Undisclosed amount |
| Oct 07 | The Murree family | $27.80 |
| Oct 07 | Colette Cunningham-Reimann | $27.80 |
| Oct 07 | Daniel Suzuki | $54.63 |
| Oct 07 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Oct 07 | Margaret Kerr | $108.31 |
| Oct 07 | Edi Fisher | Undisclosed amount |
| Oct 07 | Greg and Maurice at Intertex | $54.63 |
