Help us raise money

Owen is a 5 and a half year old who went from running up and down hills to barely being able to walk more than 5 minutes, within 4 weeks. During this time, he also developed a rash on his hands, elbows, knees, and face.  Trips to the family doctor to treat the rash that was thought to be eczema and his weakness provided no answer for his symptoms. After receiving a call from his school that he could barely walk, he was brought to the emergency room at CHEO and he was admitted, as his weakness progressed rapidly. He was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in December 2024. It’s an autoimmune and rheumatological disease where the body attacks the muscles, causing weakness and skin rashes. While there is no cure, it can at times go into remission.

Owen immediately began a strict medication regime of daily doses of high dose Prednisone, weekly injections of Methotrexate, and regular transfusions of IVIg at the medical day unit at CHEO. More recently, he’s also started transfusions of Rituximab. Since December, with the help of the amazing team at CHEO, he’s been fighting to get back his strength and function. 

All of his friends and family are in awe of his strength and determination, and we are walking with him to raise money and awareness for JDM and other rare rheumatological diseases. 

Any donations are greatly appreciated and go to CHEO and Cassie + Friends