Cure JM Family News - February 2026 Family News 💙

Our Mission

To find a cure and better treatments for Juvenile Myositis and improve the lives of families affected by JM.

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Stand With Cure JM at NIH Rare Disease Day

On February 27, 2026, Cure JM will take the stage as a nonprofit keynote speaker at NIH Rare Disease Day, sharing how partnerships with NIH and NCATS have helped accelerate juvenile myositis research and open doors to new treatment possibilities, including CAR-T.

We invite the Cure JM community to sign a Proclamation of Thanks that will be formally presented at NIH as a collective expression of gratitude for the research partnerships driving progress.

Add your name to the Proclamation of Thanks

Click Here to Sign

Watch the Video

Jim’s 2026 Resolutions: What They Mean for Families

Earlier this year, Cure JM Executive Director Jim Minow shared five resolutions guiding our work in 2026, shaped by what families have told us matters most.

2026 Resolution #1: Increasing Physician Training in JM Care

Quality care starts with physicians who understand juvenile myositis. This priority focuses on expanding physician training and fellowship programs so more families can access experienced JM care, especially in underserved regions.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share these priorities one at a time, with short videos explaining what each resolution means for families.

Rachel's Story of Hope

Every JM journey looks different, but stories of resilience continue to connect and support families across time. Rachel’s story is one of courage through an especially severe case of juvenile dermatomyositis and the power of community support when it mattered most.

As part of Cure JM’s Stories of Hope, Rachel’s journey reminds us that even in the hardest moments, hope can be found, carried, and passed forward to others who need it.

Click below to read more about Rachel's journey.

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Thursday, February 19, 2026

8pm Eastern | 7pm Central | 6pm Mountain | 5pm Pacific

Our February Town Hall features a conversation designed for parents, grandparents, and caregivers navigating life with Juvenile Myositis.

A small panel of young adults in their 20s who grew up with JM will share honest reflections on what they wish parents understood, what helped them most, and what—despite good intentions—made things harder along the way.

Rather than offering a roadmap or one-size-fits-all answers, this discussion invites families to listen, reflect, and better understand the lived experience of JM through the voices of those who have walked it into adulthood. The session will be moderated and include time for connection following the conversation.

Click the link to register!

Clinician Spotlight

Dr. Karen Brandt Onel is a pediatric rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, where she serves as Chief of Pediatric Rheumatology. Her career has been shaped by a deep belief in progress, collaboration, and the power of medicine to keep getting better for children and families.

She is inspired by how far pediatric rheumatology has come and by what lies ahead. Through her work as a clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Onel has helped advance evidence-based care, contributed to national treatment guidelines, and mentored generations of physicians who now care for children around the world.

What she values most is the opportunity to walk alongside families over time. She loves watching her patients grow, reach milestones, and pursue their passions, and she describes her career in pediatric rheumatology as “a joyous journey.”

Click below to read more about her role in our Clinical Care Network.

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Understanding Anifrolumab: What Families Should Know

At Cure JM’s January 2026 Virtual Summit, pediatric rheumatology experts shared updates on emerging treatments for juvenile dermatomyositis.

One therapy discussed was anifrolumab, a targeted medication being studied for children whose disease, especially skin symptoms, has not responded well to standard treatments.

This family-friendly summary translates key takeaways from the medical presentations, including how anifrolumab works, what early cases have shown, and why careful monitoring and clinical trials are essential.

Click the button below to read the full article.

There are moments in parenting that call for extra honesty, patience, and care, especially when a child is living with a rare disease.

In Talking Through the Tough Stuff, Ronda Thorington, Cure JM’s Mental Health Coordinator, reflects on navigating difficult conversations and shares gentle, practical guidance for supporting children through them.

Click below to read the full article.

2026 Family Days & Regional Conferences – Mark Your Calendars

Join us for a can’t-miss event in partnership with your trusted children’s hospitals. You’ll learn the latest updates in juvenile myositis (JM) research and care and connect with others who share your journey and experiences.

Cure JM hosts one event per region. Families are encouraged to attend the event closest to them. Whether you come with your whole family or just bring yourself, you’ll leave informed, inspired, and connected to a community that understands. RSVP now!

Family Days:

Saturday, February 28, Lurie Children’s: Chicago, IL
Saturday, March 28, Seattle Children's: Seattle, WA
Sunday, April 12, Mott Children's Hospital: Ann Arbor, MI
Saturday, April 25, Inova Children's Hospital: Fairfax, VA
Saturday, May 2, Boston Children's Waltham: Waltham, MA
Sunday, May 17, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital: San Francisco, CA
Coming July 2026, Cincinnatti Children's, Cincinnati, OH
Coming July 2026, Manning Children's, New Orleans, LA
Coming July 2026, Vanderbilt Children's, Nashville, TN
Coming July 2026, Pittsburgh Children's, Pittsburgh, PA

Regional Conferences:

New York Regional Conference: Saturday, March 28, Montefiore: Bronx, NY
Texas and Southwest Regional Conference: Saturday, April 11, Dell Children’s: Austin, TX
North and South Carolina Regional Conference: Saturday, May 16, Duke: Raleigh-Durham, NC

Click below to view more event details.

View All & Register

You can join the fight by taking important steps towards progress and a cure! Even small steps make a big impact!

Walk Strong events feature fun and friendship as our families celebrate the power of community and walk for progress. There is fun for the whole family, including children, teens, and young adults.

We'd like to thank all of our families and communities who are walking with us. Your steps propel our progress!

2026 Walk Strong events: RSVP here to join a walk in your region!

Spring Walks: