Dear Cure JM,

The Cure JM Foundation has always treasured the special role that grandparents play in their families and Cure JM. We hope you enjoy this collection of news specifically for you, our grandparents. 

Best regards,



The Cure JM Grandparent Alliance

Connecting with Grandparents

For ongoing, updated Grandparent programs, support, and opportunities, please visit our dedicated Grandparent Alliance webpage by clicking here.

Thursday April 24th, 8:00 PM Eastern

Supporting a JM warrior is a family journey, and grandparents play a vital role. Share this with your kids (JM Parents): Suzanne Edison hosts a Town Hall with Ronda Thorington, a skilled counselor and parent coach, offering tools to manage stress and strengthen bonds. They’ll explore the Resilient Parent Toolkit, share tips for appointments, and discuss self-care for parents and caregivers. It’s a warm space to ask questions, connect, and find support. Grandparents, encourage your children to join this online event to build resilience alongside other JM families.

Your wisdom helps carry this mission forward—pass it on to ensure no parent faces juvenile myositis alone. Together, we’re unstoppable in supporting our JM kids.

As grandparents, your love and support are the bedrock of your family’s strength. At Cure JM Foundation, we deeply appreciate the vital role you play in our community. 

Many of our most dedicated supporters are grandparents like you, committed to making a brighter future for all children affected by juvenile myositis (JM). 

You can support the Cure JM Foundation in several meaningful ways: by including a bequest in your will or trust to leave a lasting legacy, directing your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA if you're 70½ or older to make a tax-efficient donation, or making a direct donation at any time to fund crucial research and support for families. Find out how you can make a lasting impact by supporting the Cure JM Foundation.

We’re thrilled to share a heartfelt new entry in our "Love Letter to a Grandparent" series by Zamya Summing, a courageous JM patient. Her touching words celebrate the unwavering love and strength grandparents provide JM families. Read Zamya’s letter by clicking the link below, and feel the bond that makes our community special.

Join the Grandparent Alliance to connect and support our mission at www.curejm.org/grandparentalliance. Your role is vital, and together, we’re fighting for a brighter future for JM kids.

As grandparents, you’re a vital part of the Cure JM community—a cornerstone for our families and our progress. In recognition of your essential role, we’ve customized sessions just for you at the 15th Cure JM Family Conference, June 27 - June 29, 2025. Join us at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois, just outside Chicago, for a weekend designed to inspire and connect you.

All grandparents of JM patients are invited! We hope to see you all there!

We’ve tailored sessions like the Grandparent Lunch and Learn and Fireside Chat to inspire and connect you, plus plenty of family events like the Celebration Dinner & Auction. There is no pressure—attend what resonates with you.

What You Can Expect:

• Join live sessions on the latest updates from world-renowned researchers and physicians, including Cure JM’s Medical Advisory Board.

• Connect with other JM families and create lifelong bonds.

• Attend our Volunteer Celebration Banquet & Auction.

• Join our annual National Walk Strong to Cure JM, our flagship fundraising and community event.

Visit www.curejm.org/conference for more information and registration, including limited discounted hotel rates.

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago from June 27- June 29, 2025, for the 15th Cure JM Family Conference!

For Volunteer Appreciation Month, we honor April Echols, our Southeast Walk Manager, Sara Echols’ mother-in-law, in our Why I Walk series. Her powerful quote, “I walk to support Mackenzie’s fight against JM and show her I’m here,” inspires us all. April’s dedication fuels research for brighter futures for JM kids.

Join her passion—register for a future Walk Strong event or become a volunteer at Cure JM Walk Strong. Your support drives hope and treatments for our JM warriors!

Contact Sara.Echols@curejm.org to learn more about walking from home or starting a walk.