As many of you know, in November of 2017 Sophia was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). Sophia’s journey to diagnosis began in September when she began complaining of being tired all the time. As her energy decreased, she wasn’t enjoying sports, school, or playing with friends like she used to. She developed a red rash on her face and hands that we couldn’t get rid of. Multiple doctor appointments and blood tests showed that everything was normal, but as she quickly began having trouble dressing and undressing, running, climbing stairs, and doing the normal physical activity she’s always loved, we knew something wasn’t right. We quickly found a pediatric rheumatologist who was able to confirm and diagnose Sophia with JDM.
Juvenile Dermatomyositis is a form of Juvenile Myositis (JM). JM is a rare autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. It can affect virtually any system of the body: the heart, lungs, skin, muscles, and more. There is currently no cure for Juvenile Myositis. Sophia’s treatments include daily steroid and immunosuppressant drugs and weekly injections in hopes of getting her disease into remission.
Although we will not be able to participate in the Walk Strong to Cure JM in DC on July 1, we would still like to raise money to help to fund further research and hopefully one day a cure for JM. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sophia, please visit the link and contribute to our fundraising page.
All proceeds benefit Cure JM Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on finding a cure and better treatments for Juvenile Myositis.
Leading up to the walk, Cure JM families, friends, and supporters are coming together to raise $150,000 for much-needed Juvenile Myositis research!
Juvenile Myositis (JM), is a life-threatening disease which causes the body’s own immune system to attack healthy cells and tissues. Juvenile Myositis can affect virtually any system of the body, the heart, lungs, skin, muscles, and more. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments and no cure….YET!
But that’s where you come in!
Thanks to friends and family like you, Cure JM has made extraordinary progress in drug-development and genetic discovery. But, the reality is that we simply must move faster and in more areas of research than ever before and we need your support.
Every donation goes straight to Cure JM, and over 90% of all funds raised go directly to research. Can we count on you to help today?
