Navigating Juvenile Arthritis: Charlotte's Story
When Charlotte was only two years old, her parents noticed something unusual – a swollen toe that didn’t seem to go away. What started as a small but troubling symptom, quickly escalated into something more serious. Within weeks, Charlotte was in intense pain and refusing to walk.
After countless hospital visits and consultations with specialists, Charlotte was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis (JA) just before her third birthday. JA is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.
“First off, we were dumbfounded,” says Marissa, Charlotte’s mother. “After our daughter just learned how to walk, she spent a whole year not wanting to...she was constantly in pain.”
Over the next few years, Charlotte tried several different medications. In 2020, when she was eight years old, she began receiving infusions at a hospital in London, which was a 45-minute drive from home.
Discovering Coverdale Clinics
Fast forward to 2024 when a shift in Marissa’s career led to new insurance coverage. Through Charlotte’s patient support program, they discovered Coverdale Clinics – a network of over 100 infusion and injection clinics across Canada, designed to offer patients private, compassionate, and convenient care closer to home.
“We were so excited to find out there was something in Woodstock”, Marissa says. “Now, the 45-minute drive was taken out of our infusion day. We didn’t have to worry about travel anymore.”
When Charlotte had her first appointment at Coverdale two weeks later, the difference was instantly noticeable. Not only had their clinic experience improved, but the seamless collaboration between Coverdale Clinics and BioScript Pharmacy made it easier to have Charlotte’s medication delivered directly to the clinic.
"It was a completely different experience," Marissa says. "It was in a private room, with one nurse working with us. When BioScript Pharmacy calls, they make everything seamless. It’s very easy to coordinate throughout the Coverdale experience. Even the text message reminders! That is my absolute blessing because of our very busy schedules."
The Coverdale Difference
At Coverdale Clinics, patient care goes beyond medical treatment. It's about creating a supportive and personalized environment. Charlotte's nurse, Tori, quickly became part of their care circle.
“At Coverdale I love the autonomy that I am able to give my pediatric patients,” says Tori. “The appointment is about them and their needs/preferences. Giving pediatric patients their independence helps them feel more involved and in control of their diagnosis. It sets them up for success in the future and I am so fortunate that I am able to be a part of that.”
Appointments are much shorter, too, typically around three hours — which has made a huge difference in Charlotte’s daily life. She’s much more energetic and is able to run around, play, and her favourite—dance. She’s even made the basketball team.
"We’re seeing her in such a better place and her flares have been a lot more under control with her arthritis," Marissa shares.
Reliable Care, Every Step of the Way
Chronic conditions like juvenile arthritis affect daily life in ways both seen and unseen. Marissa is candid about the emotional impact:
"One thing that I’ve learned about chronic illness is how severe the pain can be on your mental health. Even when you’re not in pain, there’s worry about when the pain is going to return. There’s constantly something that Charlotte feels she has to worry about; there is not a day that chronic illness does not weigh on her.”
Specialty treatment can be a challenging yet powerful journey, and nurses like Tori support our patients through the good days and the bad. With over 100 clinics nationwide, Coverdale Clinics is trusted by patients and caregivers coast-to-coast. For families navigating life with chronic illness, finding a place like Coverdale Clinics can make all the difference.
Find a Coverdale Clinic near you and discover how we help patients like Charlotte manage their symptoms.
Looking for Infusion Care for Kids and Teens?
Our pediatric-focused clinics are designed to offer a safe, comfortable space for younger patients. With specialized equipment, experienced nurses, and a family-focused atmosphere, we help children and adolescents feel confident in their treatment.
Learn more about Pediatric and Teen Infusion Services.