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Help Caitlin raise money

For participating in 2026 Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon

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My Story…

I have been a long-distance runner for 8 years now. From struggling through 400-metre sprints to trail running several times a week, what a journey it has been. Ongoing positive peer pressure from friends and family has motivated me to try running my first ever half-marathon! I am so excited to be embarking on this new adventure while continuing to raise money for Cassie + Friends, a wonderful Canadian nonprofit supporting children and youth with juvenile arthritis. Your support will fund peer support groups, leadership cohorts, and ongoing research for the juvenile arthritis community. My close friend, Ciara Mahaffy, introduced me to C+F a few years ago - her involvement and dedication to C+F inspired me to do run with her and the organization every year since.

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.