Cure JM Family News - January 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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🔹 Discover Research: See the breakthroughs your support makes possible.

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Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our original $750,000 Holiday Challenge goal. With this incredible momentum, we are now reaching toward a $1 million stretch goal and making strong progress.

Whether you gave, shared, or cheered us on, your support made this success possible. View the impact of this community's commitment below.

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A new year. A fresh way to get involved.

Cure JM is kicking off 2026 with the first Advocates Council for Young Adults meeting of the year on Sunday, January 25 at 8pm Eastern, and we invite teens and young adults (ages 18-30) living with juvenile myositis to join us.

This virtual meeting is an easy, no-pressure introduction to the Advocates Council. You’ll learn how young people can get involved in 2026, connect with other teens and young adults, share patient perspectives, and support Cure JM’s advocacy, research, and community efforts. Participation is flexible, and there’s no obligation to join a committee or take on a leadership role.

Curious or thinking about getting involved?

Complete our Advocates Council Interest Form to receive meeting details and updates.

Watch the Video

Watch as Dr. Anita Dhanrajani shared why CAR-T therapy stood out to her as one of the most exciting developments in pediatric rheumatology at the American College of Rheumatology Conference. Emerging research is beginning to open conversations about treatments that could move beyond long-term disease management toward the possibility of a cure.

While CAR-T therapy is not yet widely available for pediatric rheumatic diseases, ongoing studies are helping physicians better understand its potential and limitations. Cure JM is closely following emerging research like this to help families stay informed about developments shaping the future of care.

Click the button to view the full ACR Town Hall which showcases key insights from each clinician featured during the session.

Watch More

In the midst of appointments, caregiving, and everyday responsibilities, moments of calm can be hard to find.

Ronda Thorington, Cure JM’s Mental Health Coordinator, is about to launch another series of short videos created just for rare parents. Each 30 to 45 second clip offers a simple way to pause, breathe, and find a little more calm in your every day routine.

Videos are posted every Wednesday in the Cure JM Emotional and Mental Health Support Facebook group. Join today to build a weekly habit of care and connection. Click below to connect and watch her latest video on the page now!

Join the FB Group

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 21, 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: