Dear Friend:

Plans are underway for the "LETS MOVE FOR CASEY WALK" which will be Saturday, September 17, 2011,  at Harrogate Park in Harrogate, Tennessee.  This annual event honors the memory of our daughter, Casey Pannocchia, who passed away two years ago of complication from Juvenile Myositis at the age of 19.

Losing Casey devasteted our family and left a void which can never be filled.  It was and still is difficult to understand the meaning of losing our vibrant daughter at such a young age, but after time we came to realize that each life has an enduring impact on the world far beyond the time they are actually here with us.  Casey inspired us with her strength and tenacity to fight her disease and we want her determined spirit to inspire other children afflicted with Juvenile Myositis.

Before Casey was diagnosed, we knew very little about this rare autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues.  Money raised from the "Let's Move For Casey Walk" will be donated to the "Cure JM Foundation" and earmarked for research being done by Dr. James Katz at George Washington University in Washington, DC.  The goal of "Cure JM" is to never let  a child suffer with Juvenile Myositis.  We join all the families with loved ones battling this disease who believe it's a goal that's well within our reach.

I encourage you to go to the " Cure JM Foundation" website www.curejm.org to learn more about Juvenial Myositis and the Cure JM Foundation.  If you can't come out and walk with us please consider a donation in Casey's memory.  We look forward to seeing you at the "LETS MOVE FOR CASEY WALK" and I know we can count on your pledge!

 

 Sincerely  yours,                                                                                                                         

 Juanta & Luis Pannocchia, M.D.

& sisters, Randi, Kelly, Martha & Emily