UPDATE:
Hey Everybody,
I just wanted to thank everybody for their donations to Cure JM. Chyllia and I met our goal of $3,000 with all of your help. Not only that, we actually completed the half marathon. We both had a few muscle aches but we've both recuperated and planning for next year's event. We think it's going to be in Texas next February, but it's not confirmed yet.
This year's event was kind of special because we got to meet the people that started the Cure JM organization and it was the fifth year anniversary. They have raised over $2 million in the last five years for research and raised a lot of awareness. Ten years ago it was taking at least six months for kids to get diagnosed, as it was in Chyllia's case, and now it is down to about three months.
Anyway, if anybody has any great ideas for some kind of fundraising event or events Chyllia or I could do throughout the year, we are open to suggestions. It was amazing to see some of the familes that raised $15,000 up to $35,000 just doing things like lemonade stands, jogathons and things like that. And, if anybody wants to join us on another half marathon next year, the more the merrier. They're always in need of volunteers at the races, too.
So, once again I just want to thank everybody for helping out a great cause.
And thanks, Denise, for covering court for me so I could go do this. Thanks, Maureen, for covering Denise so she could cover for me.
Love,
Sabrina
The 10K in Washington DC didn't kill us so we've decided to train for a half marathon. Yes, we know that's 13.1 miles by foot and we're doing it in January. Why? Well, we keep asking the same question but I'm pretty sure it's because we want to find a cure for Juvenile Myositis (JM). Plus, it's great motivation to get in shape and train like we've never trained before!
I was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in 1991. I was in remission for a number of years and completely off medication. Four years ago it came back and I have been on IV meds ever since. Right now I go in for IV treatments (IVIg and Solumedrol) every other Friday. The good news - I was recently taken off the methotrexate - NO MORE CHEMO MEDS!!!
It's hard to balance having a chronic illness with an accelerated nursing program and work but I am constantly trying to prove to myself that the JDM hasn't won. So far, I'm way ahead in the battle! It DOES make nursing school easier - I've been through the tests, been on the drugs and been around medical lingo for a good portion of my life. Plus, I get to hang out with nurses during IV treatments and ask all the questions I want.
My mom - she gets to put up with crazy challenges like 10K's and 1/2 marathons. Dealing with me is no easy task but she does a great job! I couldn't have asked for a better mom.
We are in need of cheerleaders so dig deep, show your support and help us find a cure for JM! There are a lot of kids out there who are struggling far more than I have. They deserve a better life and a chance for a cure.