Cassie and Friends Society for Juvenile Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases
100 -33 East 8th Avenue V5T 1R5 Vancouver, BC, Canada

It's the final day of #JuvenileArthritisAwarenessMonth and we want to share a big THANK YOU to everyone who has raised awareness of #JuvenileArthritis throughout the month of March. We saw our community step into action by sharing their stories, connecting with one another, starting podcasts (check out @takeapaincheck_ on Youtube!), educating friends, family and classmates, joining our run/walk team and hosting fundraisers! Wow! Thank you for coming together to bring juvenile... arthritis into the spotlight and showing other families they are not alone on their journey. We're excited to keep the momentum going for the rest of the year with you by bringing you more stories, virtual education sessions, #TeamCassieAndFriends and MORE!

Is your family navigating JDM, Fever Syndromes, Lupus, or Vasculitis? At Cassie + Friends, we want you to know that you’re not alone! Join us for an engaging discussion on these rare diseases facilitated by pediatric rheumatologists from across Canada on Saturday, April 24th at 2:30 pm PST/5:30 pm EST. You’ll learn information specific to your child’s disease and meet other families with the same diagnosis in our break-out room sessions. Bring your questions and sign up today...: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/rare-talks/ #RareDisease #JDM #Lupus #Vasculitis #FeverSyndromes

Teens, have you ever wondered how technology can be used to better understand and manage your arthritis symptoms? We are SO excited to invite youth age 12-19 to our next youth-only event, Teen Talks: Digital Health Tools for Teens, on Thursday, April 15th! At this session, teens will learn about digital health tools and how they can help manage arthritis symptoms, connect with other teens, and learn more about current research studies!... This is a great way for teens to get involved and make an impact in the JA community! Sign up here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/teen-talks/

Thank you to everyone who joined us at tonight's webinar with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Jaime Guzman, and patient and parent speakers, Abby and Amy Mazzone! This was such an informative webinar! We'd also like to say a big thank you to our series sponsors who help us fund our virtual education program. We hope to continue to provide you excellent resources and education for your family. If you enjoyed the webinar and found the information to be useful, we hope you will co...nsider joining us a fundraiser on our virtual run/walk team, Team Cassie + Friends. To learn more click here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/run/ #TeamCassieAndFriends #CharityRun #VirtualRun #FundraisingWalk #SupportForJIA #DonateToJIA

Methotrexate webinar is NOW LIVE! Get the zoom link here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/methotrexate/ If you have trouble logging on, please email [email protected]. Once in the webinar, we encourage you to introduce yourself in the chat, and ask your questions!... Thanks for tuning in! #Methotrexate #JIA #ArthritisTreatment #Arthritis #KidsGetArthritisToo

Tonight's webinar: Methotrexate We hope you'll tune in tonight at 4:30 pm PST/ 7:30 pm EST to hear from Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Jaime Guzman of BC Children's Hospital, as he shares information on the use of Methotrexate in the treatment of #rheumaticdisease. Plus! You won't want to miss patient and parent speakers, Abby + Amy Mazzone, as they share their real and honest experience with Methotrexate and life with #JIA.... Register here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/methotrexate/ #JuvenileArthritis #JuvenileArthritisAwarenessMonth #Methotrexate #PediatricRheumatology #BCCH #JIATreatment

Exciting News! We are really excited to announce that our Teen Talks Program was recently recognized as one of eight top innovations in Canada for it's approach to chronic pain prevention and management in youth by Solutions for Kids in Pain and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement! Teen Talks was designed to minimize pain and maximize resiliency through peer connections, access to trusted information/advice and the chance to help others. Thank you to our in...credible Youth Leaders who used their experience and mentorship training (iPeer2Peer) to connect with youth living ni chronic pain. We are looking forward to growing our Teen Talks Program and hosting more events in 2021! #Arthritis #JuvenileArthritis #KidsGetArthritis #ItDoesntHavetoHurt

With COVID-19 restrictions now tightening in many provinces, we understand your family may have questions and feelings of uncertainty about the current state of the pandemic in your area. You are not alone! We'd like to remind you that the Pediatric Rheumatologists from our Medical Advisory Committee are continuing to answer your COVID-19 related questions at our COVID-19 Centre website: covid19.cassieandfriends.ca/faq-1... If you are looking for advice and support from other families, learn how to join our Online Support Network by visiting cassieandfriends.ca/supportnetwork Please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at Cassie + Friends. We are ALWAYS here for your support! #Covid19 #JuvenileArthritis #Arthritis #ArthritisFAQ

Meet Morgan! She'll be joining us as a Patient Speaker at our upcoming webinar, Juvenile Arthritis Transitions: Making the Move from Pediatric to Adult Care, on Thursday November 5th 4 pm PST/ 7 pm EST. Over the past few months, Morgan has transitioned to a new adult rheumatology clinic in Toronto when she turned 18. As the process of moving from pediatric to adult care varies widely across Canada, she shares her unique experience with us.... Get to know Morgan ahead of time by reading her story and signing up for the webinar, here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/morgansstory #JuvenileArthritis #Arthritis #TeenArthritis

New Teen Event! Save the date + register now for the Teen Arthritis + Autoinflammatory Group (TAG) Holiday Social on Friday, November, 27th! The holidays are right around the corner and our Calgary Teen Leaders, Heather and Andria, are inviting teens age 12-18 to grab their ugliest holiday sweater and connect with others living with arthritis and autoinflammatory conditions, to ring in the season with games, laughs and more, online via Zoom. When: Friday November 27, 2020 at ...4pm PST/ 5pm MST / 7pm EST Where: Zoom! What do you need: Just your festive spirit! And, if you have a favourite ugly festive sweater, that too! Learn more and register for the event here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/tag-holiday-event/

Looking for a safe alternative to celebrating Halloween this year? Our friends at the Arthritis Society are hosting a virtual dance party for youth on Thursday, October 29th, and you're invited! Join the fun and attend one or both of the sessions this Thursday: 6-7 pm Eastern Time 6-7 pm Mountain Time ... Costumes and prizes are encouraged. To RSVP email [email protected] #Arthritis #KidsGetArthritisToo #JIA #JuvenileArthritis #Halloween

ICYMI Find the recording of last month's Uveitis webinar with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg, and Patient Speaker, Becki Zerr, available now on our website! Hear from Becki Zerr as she shares her lived experience with JIA and uveitis, and from Dr. Rosenberg, as he explains more about inflammation of the eye, treatments and emerging uveitis research. ... Plus! Read brand NEW FAQs specific to uveitis written by Dr. Rosenberg in response to your most pressing questions. Learn more here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/uveitis/ #kidsgetarthritistoo #JuvenileArthritis #Uveitis #Arthritis #ArthritisFAQ

Is your family prepared to make the move from pediatric to adult care? We're excited to bring you a live, expert-led, virtual session to learn more about what's involved in the transition from pediatric rheumatology care to adult rheumatology care and how you and your medical team can work together to ensure a smooth and successful process. On Thursday November 5th, we'll hear from Dr. Lynn Spiegel, patient speakers, and a clinic team who will share their insights and advice... for transitioning to young adult care. This event is open to ALL youth, parents, and healthcare providers interested in the topic of youth transitions to adult care. Register here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/teentransition/ Arthritis Society Arthritis Research Canada Arthritis Broadcast Network Arthritis Consumer Experts #JIA #JuvenileArthritis #TeenArthritis #Arthritis

Balancing the challenges of COVID-19 with the complexities of childhood rheumatic disease is tough! What are your coping strategies? Do you have questions about how to best manage your family's "new normal"? If so, you're not alone. Hear from Child and Family Psychologist, Dr. Penny Sneddon Monday December 14th 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST, as she discusses current research on the occurrence of mental health challenges in kids/teens with rheumatic conditions, the factors that co...ntribute to emotional challenges and how to best support your child’s emotional health. Register here and bring your questions! https://cassieandfriends.ca/mentalhealth/ #JuvenileArthritis #KidsGetArthritisToo #MentalHealth

Thank you to Dr. Alan Rosenberg and Becki Zerr for presenting at last night's Uveitis Webinar! The information, heartfelt stories and advice shared by the presenters will be a great help to families in our community! Thank you to the sponsors of our Virtual Education Series! With their help, we are able to bring important education and information to families across Canada affected by juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Our next Virtual Education Webinar, Juvenil...e Arthritis Transitions: Making the Move From Pediatric to Adult Care, is on Thursday, November 5th at 4 pm PST/ 7 pm EST. Register now: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/teentransition/ Nicola Wealth Vancity United Way of the Lower Mainland AbbVie

HAPPENING NOW! Tune in to the Uveitis Webinar to hear from Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg, and from Patient Speaker, Becki Zerr. Bring your questions during the LIVE Q+A. An event you won't want to miss! Dr. Rosenberg will be sharing expert advice on Uveitis treatment and emerging research, and Becki will be speaking on her own experience with Uveitis including vision loss, treatments and advice to parents. ... Join here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/uveitis/

Have questions about juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)? Find NEW FAQs, resources, videos and stories on our updated JIA webpage! Here you'll also find FAQs collected at September's JIA 101 Webinar with responses written by Pediatric Rheumatologists from our Medical Advisory Committee. Whether your family is newly diagnosed, or you are constantly seeking more information, we invite you to check out our JIA page here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/jia/... #juvenilearthritis #kidsgetarthritistoo #JIA

Looking for something to do tonight? Join us for a LIVE expert-led webinar on Uveitis with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg and hear from patient speaker, Becki Zerr, whose personal story highlights the critical need for uveitis screening and prompt treatment. Tune in: Saturday October 24th 4:30 pm PST/ 7:30 pm EST.... Register here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/uveitis/ #Uveitis #JIA #JuvenileArthritis #Arthritis #JAWontStopMe #VirtualEducation

With today's warm weather in Toronto, who wouldn't want to spend a bit of time outside walking/running for Team Cassie + Friends?! There is just over one week left to run in the virtual Toronto Waterfront Marathon and our small but mighty team is going strong, creating a larger voice for juvenile arthritis in the community and raising money towards pediatric rheumatic disease research and support programs. If you're thinking of joining us last minute, it's not too late! Sign ...up, fundraise and run anytime and anywhere before October 31st. Learn more or make a donation to the team here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/run/torontorun/ Canada Running Series #TeamCassieAndFriends #VirtualRun #JAWontStopMe #JIA #JuvenileArthritis

ONLY 2 DAYS AWAY! Join us this Saturday for a LIVE expert-led webinar on Uveitis with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg and hear from patient speaker, Becki Zerr, whose personal story highlights the critical need for uveitis screening and prompt treatment. Get to know Becki before the LIVE event by reading her feature story and/or listening to the breathtaking first episode of her brand new podcast, The Blind Reality, as she talks about her experience on the day sh...e lost her sight. To learn more, visit our website: https://cassieandfriends.ca/uncategorized/becki-zerr/ #Uveitis #JIA #JuvenileArthritis #ChildrensVisionMonth Canadian Ophthalmological Society #Arthritis

Research Opportunity! Are you a teen or a parent of a teen, who feels pain even while taking arthritis medications? Do you wish to find ways to manage your pain in a way that is right for you? A team at the University of Ottawa led by Dr. Karine Toupin April, has developed the JIA Option Map, a web app that helps youth and their families make decisions on pain management treatments. They are looking for research participants to join their study and offer a small honorarium, ...or volunteer hours (great for students!) for those who get involved! You can learn more about the study and how to get involved here: https://cassieandfriends.ca//current-resea/jia-option-map/ CHEO University of Ottawa #JuvenileArthritis #Arthritis Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance Arthritis Society

Think your child isn't at risk of Uveitis? Scarlett's mom, Suzana, was sure her daughter wouldn't have uveitis (inflammation of the eye). After the Pediatric Rheumatologists at BC Children's Hospital suggested visiting an Ophthalmologist for a screening, she left shocked and surprised after hearing of Scarlett's uveitis diagnosis. Her instant thoughts were "How can this be?" and "What does this mean for my daughter?" Learn more about uveitis and how it can affect your child ...even after remission is achieved, at our Uveitis Webinar with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg. Sign Up for the Uveitis Webinar: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/uveitis/ Read Scarlett's Uveitis Story: https://cassieandfriends.ca/stories/uveitis-scarletts-story/

Looking for the latest pediatric rheumatology updates, events and research? Check out our October monthly newsletter and subscribe today for future updates, if you haven't already! Sign up at www.cassieandfriends.ca/contact https://mailchi.mp//cassie-connects-here-comes-summer-4721

"Do flare ups occur with Uveitis? Does this condition behave in a similar fashion as JIA?" Learn the answer to this question and more at our Uveitis Webinar Saturday October 24th 4:30 pm PST/ 7:30 pm EST with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg. Click the link below to hear more about Uveitis and how it can affect your child at our upcoming webinar. There will be a live Q+A, so bring your questions! ... https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/uveitis/ #Uveitis #JIA #JuvenileArthritis #KidsGetArthritisToo

We are just $20,000 shy of our $240,000 goal for Team Cassie + Friends in the Vancouver and Calgary virtual run/walks! Will you help us cross the finish line as Champions for Kids and the pain-free future they deserve? What's at stake? As one mom recently wrote, Juvenile Arthritis "isn't just sore joints...it's having to have a bath when you first wake up so you can move. It's bringing your little brother to all your appointments...It's missed sleepovers because you have to h...ave your injections. It's side effects [from medications] so intense you can't stop crying...." Are you looking to make a last minute gift towards a pain-free future for kids? Donate here: https://raceroster.com//202/fundraising-organization/19054 #JuvenileArthritis #TeamCassieAndFriends Calgary Marathon Canada Running Series West #ScotiaHalf #JAWontStopMe

Listen to Cory share what it's been like to manage his Uveitis over the last 8 years from elementary to high school. Remember that regular eye screening exams are critical - even when kids have no symptoms and aren't suffering. Learn more about Uveitis at our upcoming webinar with Pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Alan Rosenberg, on Saturday, October 24th at 4:30 pm PST/ 7:30 pm EST. Sign up here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/event/uveitis/ Link to Cory's video: https://youtu.be/...DPjmfiTb-0I #Uveitis #KidsGetArthritisToo Canadian Ophthalmological Society Arthritis Broadcast Network Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance Arthritis Society Arthritis Consumer Experts #JuvenileArthritis #Arthritis