The 2010 Annual CureJM conference is being held in Austin, Texas this year.  Ironically, our attendance will mark Emma's 2 YEAR anniversary of her diagnosis with Juvenile Dermatomyositis.  Kent and I truly appreciate CureJM, as we found their website with an internet search and were able to get a quick diagnosis for Emma's condition.  Because this disease only affects 3 kids in a million, the CureJM efforts to raise funds are extremely important  for identifying better treatment options and ultimately finding a cure.  2 years ago, Kent and I watched in horror as this disease caused our perfectly healthy little girl to deteriorate physically to the point where she would just fall down several times a day while walking. She could no longer do basic things like lift her head while lying on her back, get into the car, go up the stairs, or get dressed by herself.  It took 6 months of rehabilitation and physical therapy for Emma to regain her strength and stamina.  It took countless drugs, chemotherapy shots, and  numerous days in the hospital for 8 hour IV infusions...and we still remain basically helpless and live in fear that the disease will return at any time...

We have created a short video about Emma's journey with JDMS.   It hasn't been an easy road, and it appears that it won't be a short road, either.  Please watch the video and support Emma's cause with any donation you can.  The funds support research grants and also make events like this conference possible.  We will be meeting 60 other families with children who have traveled the same path and share the same struggles and fears...it is invaluable for Emma to realize that she isn't alone and isn't the only child that struggles to deal with having a chronic and incurable disease...

Thank you to everyone who has been there to support all of us over the past 2 years - it has made this painful journey a little easier...

 Kent, Dawn & Emma