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For participating in 2026 Beneva Vancouver Half Marathon

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Our story…

Last year I was travelling and started having leg pain.  This pain persisted for months and never got better.  My mom took me to many doctors to get answers but nobody could figure out what was wrong with me.  They all thought I was experiencing growing pains.  Then I started walking with an unusual walk and my back began to hunch over.  The pain was immense and I was very scared.  Finally, I ended up in emergency at B.C. Children's Hospital where they did 2 MRI scans.  I was given the diagnosis of Enthesitis Related Arthritis (ERA), a form of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).

I was very scared because the treatment to this disease involved getting many needles, which was my biggest fear in life.  I stayed at B.C. Children's and Sunnyhill Hospital for many months where I received amazing care.  Now with the help of my rheumatology team and amazing family, I can live with ERA and go to school normally like a regular kid.  I have made friends with my disease and know there is nothing holding me back from achieving my goals.

Currently, there is no cure for ERA but we can continue to support research and hopefully one day there will be!

Thank you to everyone for supporting me and donating to boost JIA research!

Description

I’m proud to be fundraising for Cassie + Friends, a Canadian charity dedicated to supporting children, youth, and families affected by juvenile arthritis and other childhood rheumatic diseases such as lupus, JDM, vasculitis, and autoinflammatory fever syndromes.

For these kids, living with juvenile arthritis affects far more than their joints. It can mean ongoing pain and fatigue, missed school and activities, frequent medical appointments and injections, and learning to navigate a complex healthcare system far too young. When diagnosis or care is delayed, the consequences can last for years. Families often begin this journey feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure where to turn.

Cassie + Friends helps change that — by connecting families early, providing trusted education and practical support, and investing in research that leads to better care and brighter futures.

By supporting this fundraiser, you’re helping ensure families receive the tools, confidence, and community they need — when it matters most.

Every donation, no matter the size, creates real impact for kids across Canada.


Together, we’re helping families in Vancouver and across British Columbia, including those from rural and remote communities, to navigate daily life with Juvenile Arthritis — while advancing the research and care that will bring us closer to better treatments, and ultimately, a cure. 


Thank you so much for standing with these incredible children and their families. It truly means the world.

Team members

Click on one of our team members below to make a donation.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
Apr 12 Anonymous You've got this! Undisclosed amount
Apr 11 Ranji Massi, Arvin, Jovan and Bo So proud to donate to this fundraiser! You are so brave and strong. We love you! CA$214.54
Apr 11 Sandra Sending love and support Amaara. Hoping this small contribution helps in some way. ❤️ Undisclosed amount
Apr 11 Alice Lo CA$100.00
Apr 11 Arya Martin Proud of you for fundraising, hope you reach your goals 😊 CA$107.72
Apr 11 Anonymous Undisclosed amount
Apr 11 Jennifer CA$54.31
Apr 11 Jenn, Jar, Lillabelle + Jarvis We love you, Amara! CA$54.31
Apr 10 Anonymous CA$54.31
Apr 10 Chrystal Boy CA$107.72