Welcome to our Cure JM fundraising page!
Our 5 year old daughter Keira was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) on April 18, 2012.
Juvenile Myositis (JM) including Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) and Juvenile Polymyositis (JPM), is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. Weak muscles and skin rash are the primary symptoms of JDM, while muscle weakness without a rash is the primary symptom of JPM. For many children with JDM, it's a challenge to simply stand up or sit down and can be life-threatening. This rare disease affects approximately 2-4 children out of a million. There is no cure.
For Keira, her first symptom began with her speech. She was not able to pronounce Ks and Gs very well so she began speech therapy in January. In February/March she was unable to keep up with other kids her age, walking up stairs was challenging. In April, Keira was unable to get up from the floor without supporting herself on a nearby object. She also developed a rash across her nose extending out to her ears. Blood tests revealed something was indeed wrong, so we were sent to see pediatric rheumatologists at Children's Hospital Boston were she was diagnosed with JDM. Keira has been receiving IV infusions of solumedrol and methotrexate every week since Mid-April. She is responding well to her treatments and has regained most of her strength. We pray she will go into remission in the next few years. We need a cure for our daughter and other children that suffer from this disease!
Chad and I are participating in Cure JM Foundation’s national fundraising and awareness event taking place in Baltimore, Maryland on October 12th and 13th. Chad will be running in the 5K race.
Cure JM Foundation is an all-volunteer non-profit organization which was created and is managed by families of children with Juvenile Myositis (JM). Cure JM Foundation’s mission is to provide support to families coping with JM, raise awareness of JM and fund research that will ultimately lead to a cure.
The Foundation’s aspirational goal is to never, ever let another child suffer with Juvenile Myositis. With your help, this goal may be well within reach some day.
Please consider DONATING today! No amount is too small, every dollar we raise gets us one step closer to our goal!
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You can also mail your donation to:
Cure JM Foundation
836 Lynwood Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
Corporate matching forms can be faxed to:
(760) 230-2243