Queen's student leads inaugural Kingston run for juvenile arthritis

Cassie Porte, diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 20 months old, now organizes runs to raise awareness and support for the disease

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Cassie Porte, a Queen's University student, was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at just 20 months old. Her family started the Cassie and Friends charity to support children and families living with the disease, and the organization is now hosting its first run in Kingston. The run aims to raise funds for early family navigation services, injection support kits, youth mentorship, education programs, and research partnerships to improve care and outcomes for those living with juvenile arthritis.

Why it matters

Juvenile arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects children, but many people are unaware that it can occur in young kids. The Cassie and Friends charity was started to provide support and resources for families dealing with this condition, which can cause joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, fatigue, and potential long-term damage if not properly treated. The inaugural Kingston run is an important step in raising awareness and funds to help children and youth living with juvenile arthritis.

The details

Cassie Porte was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at just 20 months old. It took over a year and treatments like prednisone and other injections to stabilize her condition. Porte's father started the first Cassie and Friends run in Vancouver to raise funds and support for the organization. Since then, runs have popped up in cities across Canada. The Kingston run is a collaboration between Cassie and Friends and the Queen's Rheumatic Disease Club. Porte, now a Queen's student, is leading the inaugural Kingston event, which will feature a 5K run, a raffle, and activities to build community and raise awareness.

  • Cassie Porte was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 20 months old.
  • In Grade 7, Porte had a bad flare-up that forced her to stop competitive dancing.
  • About a year ago, at age 20, Porte was able to switch to a simpler pill-based treatment.
  • The Kingston run will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • March is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month across Canada.

The players

Cassie Porte

A Queen's University student who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 20 months old and now leads the Cassie and Friends charity and the inaugural Kingston run to raise awareness and support for the disease.

Cassie and Friends

A national charity started by Cassie Porte's family to support children, youth, and families living with juvenile arthritis and other childhood-onset rheumatic diseases.

Clara Spence

A 5-year-old girl who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 2.5 years old and is participating in the Kingston run with her family's Team Clara, which has already raised over $2,000.

Melissa Spence

The mother of 5-year-old Clara Spence, who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 2.5 years old.

Cory Spence

The father of 5-year-old Clara Spence, who was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 2.5 years old.

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What they’re saying

“'One morning I woke up, and I couldn't walk. My knee was the size of a baseball.'”

— Cassie Porte (kingstonthisweek.com)

“'He reached out to friends and colleagues and raised about $20,000 overnight. On the day of the run, the whole family was there. That's when my parents thought, 'Why not help other kids like Cassie?' and so it began, Cassie and Friends.'”

— Cassie Porte (kingstonthisweek.com)

“'Living with a child who has a chronic illness affects the entire family. Having a strong village makes all the difference.'”

— Melissa Spence, Mother of Clara Spence (kingstonthisweek.com)

“'This event is about more than fundraising. It's about awareness, early action and building a community where no child feels alone in their diagnosis.'”

— Cassie Porte (kingstonthisweek.com)

“'I just want to help kids like me. I feel like I have a unique perspective. I grew up learning how to balance school, dance, friendships and chronic illness. I was fortunate to have support and access to care. Not every family does. This run is about making sure other kids and parents get that support earlier.'”

— Cassie Porte (kingstonthisweek.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.