Dear friends,
Our entire family is participating in Cure JM Foundation’s national fundraising and awareness event taking place in Baltimore, Maryland on October 12th and 13th.
As you may know, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), in August of 2010. JM is a rare autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. For many children with JM, it's a challenge to simply stand up or sit down and can be life-threatening. As you can imagine, this was a terryfying time for my family, as my illness had weakened my muscles to the point that walking, standing, even holding my head up proved difficult for me. I am lucky that a diagnosis was quickly made and that we had access to a Dr. with a lot of experience treating children with JDM. Aggressive treatment began right away. The past two years were difficut as we coped with steroids, their side effects, physical rehabilitation and the psychological impact that an illness like this has on a family. This past April I weaned completely off steroids and it is likely that very soon I will be medicine free! We are hopeful that my JDM will go into a remission, but we know that there is currently no cure for JDM and that this illness will continue to reside within me. We are extremely lucky that I have responded well to treatment and that I have become a strong, vibrant and healthy little girl. Many children with JDM are not as fortunate. It is for all of these children that we will be participating in Cure JM's 5k walk in Baltimore. I will be walking with my family and I need your support!
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. My family found Cure JM to be a tremendous support not only just after my diagnosis, but throughout the years.
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.
If you have not already seen the video that my big brother Zach made to raise awareness for JDM, be sure to click on the YouTube link to the right! It's his way of expressing how very important this cause is to our family.
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: