Greetings!

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.

In our most recent episode of "Ask the Doc," we sat down with Dr. Anne Stevens, a member of the Cure JM Medical Advisory Board, to shed light on the various forms of CAR cell therapies that are making life-changing impacts on autoimmune patients.

Dr. Stevens is fusing her decades of experience in the clinic with clinical trial prowess to bring hope to JM patients through new therapy development.

Watch and learn as Dr. Stevens breaks down what CAR therapies are, the differences in CAR cell therapies, and who the ideal patients are that may benefit from this cutting-edge research.

Backed by funding from the Cure JM Foundation, scientists at the UK’s Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator (NATA) are creating tiny medicines that press the “quiet” button on the immune system’s mistaken alarm that causes myositis.

How Is the Immune System Misbehaving in JM?

Think of your immune system like a safety alarm. Interferon beta is the warning that blasts when a virus shows up. It tells the immune system to wake up and get to work. With JM, sometimes that alarm gets stuck on even when there is no danger. A loud, nonstop alarm makes the immune system overreact. In juvenile myositis, that constant signal can inflame muscles and make kids feel weak, sore, and tired.

With the support of a Cure JM grant, scientists tested tiny “off switches” that quiet the interferon beta alarm at its source. They tried 27 versions and found two that worked best. Those two switches effectively turned down the immune system alarm, thereby reducing inflammation. Just as important, safety tests showed that this approach was also safe.

Your support of this research is fueling lasting breakthroughs that will continue to improve the lives of our JM grandchildren. To read the full research summary, click below.

Join Us Wednesday, September 24th - 1:00 PM Eastern

Dr. Feldman will paint a “then vs. now” picture of progress over the past 35 years, when JM care was fragmented and inconsistent, versus today’s coordinated approach. He will discuss how these efforts are helping bring clinical trials to the bedside faster and accelerate real-world improvements for kids and families living with this rare disease.

Dr. Brian Feldman is chair of Cure JM’s Medical Advisory Board and a global leader in pediatric rheumatology. Based at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Dr. Feldman is internationally recognized for his contributions to clinical research and care delivery in childhood autoimmune diseases. He brings deep expertise in translational research, evidence-based care, and international collaboration—all with a focus on improving outcomes for young patients.

The season of "hope" is approaching, leading up to the biggest day of the year for Cure JM! Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, is a day of global generosity when billions of dollars will be given to charity. 

As JM grandparents, we want some of this life-changing generosity to be directed at Cure JM to improve the lives of our grandchildren. More than ever, research is only made possible by families like yours, who deeply care about the futures of our JM children.

Watch this video message from JM grandparent and Vice Chair of the Cure JM Grandparent Alliance, Joel Reed. Joel explains how easy it is to join and why our grandparents play a vital role during this special time of year.

Please join us in sharing our progress and become a Hope Hero fundraiser today!

Learn more at www.curejm.org/hopehero. 

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.

Cure JM families and friends are coming together in their local communities to walk together for a brighter future! 

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!

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

2025 Walk Strong events:  RSVP here to join a walk in your region!

• Washington, D.C. - Saturday, September 20th
• Raleigh-Durham, NC - Saturday, September 27th
• Boston, MA - Sunday, October 5th
• Houston, TX - Sunday, October 5th
• Austin, TX - Saturday, October 11th
• Nashville, TN - Saturday, October 18th
• Northern California - Saturday, October 18th

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

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

• September 22nd at 8:00 PM Eastern - "Monthly Moms' Connect Call" Register Now.



• September 24th at 1:00 PM Eastern - "Town Hall - Transforming Care Over the Past 35 Years" Register Now.

• September 25th at 7:00 PM Eastern - "Monthly Grandparents' Connect Call" Register Now.

• September 27th at 10:00 AM Central - "Pittsburgh Regional Family Day" (In-person event) Register Now.