In This Issue:

🎈2025 Family Conference Highlights

🎈Tom Hume's Keynote Speech

🎈Dr. Carl June's Keynote on CAR T-Cell Therapy

🎈JM Kid Coverage: A Fun New Video Series

🎈National Walk Strong: A Community Triumph

🎈Upcoming Regional Events, Training, and Online Events



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Cure JM Family Conference Highlights

The 15th Cure JM Family Conference in Chicago brought together more than 300 families, clinicians, and researchers, making it our most impactful gathering yet.

Over the weekend, families connected, shared experiences, and heard the latest updates on groundbreaking research and treatments. Highlights included:

• Families finding strength and hope in our shared community 

• Inspiring insights from longtime JM advocates and clinicians

• Updates on promising therapies like JAK inhibitors, anifrolumab, and CAR-T 

The weekend was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and the bright future ahead. Together, we’re advancing progress and hope for everyone with JM.

Couldn’t make it to Chicago? Don’t worry, we’re coming to you! Over the next year, Cure JM will host 20 local and regional conferences across the country to bring connection, education, and support closer to home. Check here often for more events to be added near you.

Dr. Carl June’s Keynote on CAR T-Cell Therapy

Saturday’s General Session at the Family Conference featured a keynote from Dr. Carl June, the “father of CAR T-cell therapy,” at the Hyatt Lodge. Featured in the documentary Of Medicine and Miracles, Dr. June pioneered CAR T-cell therapy for cancer using mouse models, now adapting it for autoimmune diseases like juvenile myositis.

His presentation explored how engineered T-cells target juvenile myositis, offering hope for transformative treatments. By resetting the immune system, this therapy could redefine JM care. Dr. June’s insights sparked excitement among families and doctors, underscoring Cure JM’s commitment to cutting-edge research.

Watch the full keynote on YouTube for a closer look at this groundbreaking approach. These advancements bring us closer to a world where JM kids thrive.

JM Kids’ Coverage: A Fun New Series

Our JM kids stole the spotlight at the Family Conference! Guided by JM dad Luke Ryan, who shared his run-and-gun camera and audio gear, they roamed the Hyatt Lodge capturing interviews with doctors, families, and peers. Their cute questions and big smiles produced heartwarming footage, launching a new video series. From chatting with physicians to filming family moments, these young stars showed the juvenile myositis community’s spirit.

Luke’s mentorship made it fun and empowering. Watch their first clips and stay tuned for more from our talented JM kids.

National Walk Strong: A Community Triumph

On Sunday, June 29, our National Walk Strong event kicked off the Family Conference with nearly 400 participants raising close to $60,000 for juvenile myositis research. Led by our Chicago Chapter co-chairs Denise Koch and Karen Berman, families, doctors, and supporters from near and as far way as the Netherlands walked together at the Hyatt Lodge, celebrating JM kids’ resilience. The event’s energy, filled with laughter and unity, showcased our community’s strength.

From JM young adults leading the charge to grandparents cheering, every step fueled hope for a cure.

Join us by hosting your own walk to keep the momentum going. Thank you for walking strong!

2025 Online Meetings, In-Person & Educational Trainings - Save The Dates!

We're excited to share upcoming regional and online events that support our community.

This updated page is your single stop for "being in the know" on upcoming chapter events, support meetings, educational training, and more happening in person and online.

July 2025 Online and In-Person Events:

• July 27th at 5:00 PM Eastern - Young Adult Connect - Join our Young Adult Connect where we invite young adults to share their experiences and move forward ideas to support Cure JM’s mission to improve treatments and quality of life for all JM patients. Your voice matters! Please register and share your thoughts with us. Register here.

• July 28th at 7:00 PM Eastern - Town Hall - Join us for a powerful Town Hall with Dr. Aviya Lanis Levy, a nationally recognized pediatric rheumatologist and mental health advocate, as she explores practical strategies for managing anxiety and promoting emotional wellbeing in children with JM and their caregivers. Register Here.

• July 28th at 8:00 PM Eastern - Moms' Connect - We’d like to invite you to join Moms’ Connect, a dedicated space where you can find understanding, encouragement, and connection with other moms who truly understand what you’re going through. Register Here.

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