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.

Why I Walk: Ellen Stream’s Love for Brooklyn

Ellen Stream walks for her granddaughter, Brooklyn, and every child with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). At two and a half, Brooklyn faced a JDM diagnosis, bringing fear of wheelchairs or lost childhood joys like sports and school. Ellen, located in Washington state, and Brooklyn’s other grandmother, in the Midwest, teamed up despite the distance. While Brooklyn’s other grandmother attended treatments at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Ellen, a former caregiver, sent handmade quilts to newly diagnosed JM families, offering comfort from afar.

Brooklyn is now 13, thriving in middle school, playing volleyball and working as a stagehand in drama. Her JDM is inactive, but flares remain a risk. Ellen finds hope in Cure JM’s advancing treatments and community support. A skilled physical therapist and Lurie’s care team helped Brooklyn grow strong, supported by her grandmothers’ love.



Ellen walks and volunteers every year for Seattle’s Walk Strong, not just for Brooklyn, but for all JM families. Distance doesn’t stop her. She encourages grandparents far from their JM loved ones to join local walks, or walk from home, to connect and support kids battling JM. Ellen’s quilts and steps show love transcends miles.

Join Ellen and other JM grandparents in honor of your JM grandchild by walking from home anytime between now and June 29th (Cure JM's National Walk Strong Day). Visit www.curejm.org/walkstrong to join us from home.

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

Thursday June 4th, 2:00 PM Eastern

Join us Wednesday, June 4th at 2:00 PM Eastern for a special Cure JM Town Hall featuring Dr. Stacey Tarvin. This will serve as an essential introduction to juvenile dermatomyositis for families navigating a new diagnosis and will provide clear, compassionate guidance on managing treatments, and finding support.

For families already on the JM journey, JM 101 will also cover the latest treatment protocols, best practices, and groundbreaking research shaping the future of care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for critical updates, this Town Hall is your chance to gain expert insights and connect with the Cure JM community. 

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.

As grandparents, you are a cornerstone of the Cure JM community, vital to our families and progress in juvenile myositis care. Join us at the 15th Cure JM Family Conference, June 27th to June 29th, 2025, at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook, Illinois, just outside Chicago.

Registration closes June 2nd, so sign up now at curejm.org/conference. Chicago-area grandparents, stay tuned for a Saturday, June 28 day rate option for local families.

All grandparents of JM patients are welcome! We have tailored sessions like the Grandparent Lunch and Learn and Fireside Chat to inspire and connect you, plus family events like the Celebration Dinner and Auction. Attend what speaks to you.

What You Can Expect:

• Hear updates from world-renowned researchers and Cure JM’s Medical Advisory Board.
• Connect with JM families and build lasting bonds.
• Join our Volunteer Celebration Banquet and Auction.
• Participate in the National Walk Strong to Cure JM, our flagship community event.

Visit curejm.org/conference for details, registration, and limited discounted hotel rates. We look forward to uniting in Chicago, June 27th to June 29th, 2025!