Cure JM Family News - March 2026 Family News 💙

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Our Mission

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

MAKE A GIFT

Imagine your child’s handwritten message racing across the country, carried on a professional IMSA racecar.

For Autoimmune Awareness Month, Austin Krainz is partnering with Cure JM to spotlight children living with JM. Every balloon represents a child, a story, and our shared strength.

And that's not all. Austin has also opened his races to Cure JM families, inviting you to attend and sit in his VIP section at no cost. It is a chance to connect, celebrate, and see your message in motion.

We would love for your family to be part of this!

Submit your balloon and RSVP to a race here or click the link below.

Learn More

Watch the Video

Our February Town Hall featured a candid conversation with young adults who grew up with JM. They spoke openly about support, independence, school, 504 plans, flare-ups, and the emotional side of growing up with a chronic illness.

If you’re parenting through JM, this conversation is worth your time.

April Town Hall - April 1, 2026

8pm ET / 7pm CT / 6pm MT / 5pm PT

Join us on April 1st for an important Town Hall with Dr. Stacey Tarvin as she shares the latest updates on juvenile myositis diagnosis, treatment options, and best-practice care in 2026. She will walk families through what to expect along the treatment pathway and how to ensure the best possible care for your child.

Dr. Tarvin is Chair of Cure JM’s Clinical Care Network and a national leader in pediatric rheumatology.

We hope you can join us for this important and informative conversation.

Whether you are newly diagnosed or years into your journey, staying informed helps you advocate with confidence.

Click below to register!

Clinician Spotlight

Meet Dr. Sara Sabbagh

Inspired by her mother’s journey in healthcare, Dr. Sara Sabbagh followed her scientific curiosity into pediatric rheumatology and JDM research. After helping properly diagnose a child who had been treated for the wrong condition, she committed her career to ensuring better outcomes for children with JM.

In addition to caring for patients as a pediatric rheumatologist at Children’s Wisconsin, Dr. Sabbagh leads research efforts aimed at improving treatment strategies and understanding the disease more deeply.

Click below to learn more about her work and vision for the future of JM care.

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Up to 40 percent of children with juvenile dermatomyositis will develop calcinosis, the buildup of calcium deposits under the skin. While researchers still do not fully understand why it forms, we do know that early and aggressive treatment of JM plays a critical role in reducing risk and severity.

We’ve compiled insights from leading researchers into a clear, family-friendly guide to help you better understand treatment options and next steps to discuss with your care team.

In rare disease caregiving, loneliness often hides between appointments, responsibilities, and the need to stay strong.

This month, Ronda Thorington, Cure JM’s Mental Health Coordinator explores the quiet isolation many caregivers carry and offers compassionate, practical ways to feel less alone.

If you’ve ever felt unseen in this journey, this piece is for you.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jessica Doherty

After her daughter Marlowe was diagnosed with juvenile myositis following months of uncertainty and misdiagnoses, Jessica turned to Cure JM for information and connection. What she found was not only trusted resources, but a community of families who truly understood.

Today, Jessica serves as Chair of the Tampa Cure JM Walk and as Florida Family Support Network Representative, supporting newly diagnosed families and helping them feel less alone.

Read Jessica’s inspiring spotlight here.

Tax Season Giving Tip: Consider Crypto

Did you know you can donate cryptocurrency to Cure JM? As you prepare your taxes, it may be a good time to review appreciated assets like cryptocurrency. Donating crypto directly to Cure JM can be a tax-efficient way to make an impact, often avoiding capital gains while supporting research and care.

Click below to explore crypto giving options.

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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, March 28, Montefiore: Bronx, NY
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:

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: