Our story…
The beginning of September marked the one year anniversary since Charlie started on her JIA journey.
Starting grade 11 in September 2025 didn't go as planned for Charlie. On her first day of school she woke up with a major pain in her hip. She was admitted to Sick Kids that night and very quickly thereafter had surgery on her hip to remove what the doctors thought was septic arthritis. She battled like a champion and was discharged after 7 days.
The next couple of months continued to be difficult for Charlie, with extreme fatigue and pain throughout her body. She was again admitted to Sick Kids again in December. After what seemed like endless tests and visits from various specialists, she was ultimately diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).
Everyday is challenging for Charlie. She and the Rheumatoid team at Sick Kids continue to try to find the best medications to manage the pain and inflammation caused by JIA. She has given herself so many injections and taken so many different pills. She recently started a new medication which is delivered via a monthly infusion. After two doses, early signs appears positive and we are optimistic that this one will finally put this awful disease in remission.
Charlie amazes us everyday in how she faces the challenges that come with JIA. She is brave, strong and resilient. Such a warrior. We all love her so much!
Cassie and Friends has been such a great support for our family. They have given us so many resources to support Charlie. We have been introduced to other families who have similar stories, and we have become very close with one of those families.
It's incredible to think that one year ago we had never heard of JIA. Most people haven't. Cassie and Friends has and continues to play such an important role in helping our family get through this difficult period, and we are grateful for the support they've provided to us and other families who have been impacted by JIA. If you can, please make a donation to this wonderful group so that they can continue to support our Charlie and so many others.
We will be participating in the walk/run on October 18th in Toronto. We will be joining Cassie and friends.
Thank you!
Charlie's crew
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 Toronto and across Ontario, 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.
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Betty Rody
Raised: CA$216.62
Team captain
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 20 | Renny MacKinnon & Jimmy Carton | CA$215.65 |
| Sep 20 | Elaine Rody | CA$108.31 |
| Sep 20 | Marni and Ava | Undisclosed amount |
| Sep 20 | Clancy/Mckinstry | Undisclosed amount |
