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Help Harper raise money

For participating in 2026 Hamilton Marathon Road2Hope

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My Story…

Harper is running the Kids 1K for someone pretty special — her little sister, Bella! 💙🦋 Bella was diagnosed with JIA at just 15 months old, and Harper has been by her side through a year of appointments and treatments. Now that Bella is so close to remission, they’re taking on the 1K together! Harper is so excited to run alongside her little sister and raise money for Cassie + Friends to help other kids living with juvenile arthritis. 💙

Description

Cassie + Friends is the only charity in Canada dedicated 100% to kids and families living with Juvenile Arthritis (JA) and other rheumatic diseases. Rooted in our four pillars, we champion research, education, connection and support for pediatric rheumatic diseases.


Together with McMaster Children's Hospital, we’re supporting kids with Juvenile Arthritis (JA) today — and changing what diagnosis, treatment, and life look like tomorrow.


By donating to our run/walk, you’ll directly support:

  • Advocacy for earlier diagnosis and equitable care

  • Equipment Cupboards at McMaster Children's Hospital that provide families with immediate access to braces, splints, mobility aids, and emergency financial assistance — reducing stress and removing barriers to care

  • Our rapidly expanding Injection Kit program that helps kids overcome needle pain and fear 

  • Youth Mentorship — our trained mentors help affected youth foster resilience and build leadership skills

  • C+F Family Education Days that equip kids and caregivers with trusted information and vital peer connection

  • Groundbreaking research into precision medicine, mental health, and a cure


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