Our Mission

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

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Dear Grandparents,

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.

Grandparent Connect Call

📅 Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

🕖 7pm ET / 6pm CT / 5pm MT / 4 pm PT

Grandparent Connect group meets on the 4th Thursday of every month

The Cure JM Grandparent Connect group is a space for grandparents of children with juvenile myositis to learn, share, and connect. Meet other grandparents, exchange experiences, and discover ways to support families navigating the JM journey.

Watch the Video

If you missed our recent Town Hall, you can now watch the full recording. Dr. Stacey Tarvin walks families through best‑practice care, what to expect along the treatment pathway, and the most current understanding of JM. Her insights make complex information feel manageable and help families feel more prepared for the road ahead.

Dr. Tarvin serves in multiple leadership roles at Indiana University and Riley Children’s Hospital and leads Cure JM’s Clinical Care Network. Her most meaningful title, though, is the one her own children use: Dr. Mom.

Watch Full Video

A Grandparent’s Story of Hope: Joanne Hall

When Joanne’s grandson was diagnosed with JM at two and a half, her family felt completely alone. His symptoms were frightening, the diagnosis was overwhelming, and for months they had no community to turn to. “My grandson was a shadow of his former self,” she remembers.

Everything changed when Joanne discovered Cure JM. Right before a local Walk Strong event, she found a community of families who understood what her grandson was facing. Hearing stories of children who were doing well gave her hope, and she began sharing that encouragement with her daughter and son‑in‑law as they recovered from the intensity of those early months. “I do feel like Cure JM is a bit of a family,” she said.

Today, Joanne serves on multiple Cure JM councils and continues to support other families walking the same path.She hopes more grandparents will find their way to Cure JM, because the support and connection they receive can make all the difference.

Grandparent GEMs

Since introducing Grandparent GEMs last month, we’ve been inspired by how many grandparents have stepped forward to give monthly.

This growing circle of support strengthens our community and fuels the research and care our families count on. If you’d like to join other grandparents who are Giving Every Month, you’ll find more information below.

Learn More

Thursday, April 30, 2026

6pm Eastern | 5pm Central | 4pm Mountain | 3pm Pacific

Grandparents often carry a quiet share of the worry when a child in the family is living with a chronic illness. Many want to support both their grandchild and their adult child, especially when anxiety becomes part of the picture.

At this virtual Town Hall, Dr. Eli Lebowitz of the Yale School of Medicine will introduce the SPACE approach, an evidence‑based method that helps families respond to anxiety in supportive, effective ways. His guidance can be especially helpful for grandparents who want to offer calm, steady support at home.

Cure JM Advocates Shcholarships

Cure JM is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Advocate Scholarships.

These scholarships honor pioneering researchers Dr. Lauren Pachman, Dr. Ann Reed, and Dr. Lisa Rider, whose work has helped shape the future of care for children with juvenile myositis.

Each year, Cure JM recognizes students living with JM who demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to the JM community. In 2026, three students will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to support their educational goals.

If your grandchild or a young person you know is living with JM and pursuing college or another post-secondary program, we encourage them to apply.

Applications are open through May 10, 2026.

Click below to learn more.

Learn More

IRA Giving

We just made it easier than ever for grandparents in our community to make one of the most tax-smart gifts of the year.

Tax season is the perfect time to consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA. If you are age 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA to Cure JM — supporting research, clinical care, and family programs — without the gift counting as taxable income. For those required to take a minimum distribution this year, it is one of the most tax-efficient ways to turn that requirement into something that matters deeply.

For many grandparents in our community, it is also simply the most meaningful gift they have ever made. Because this one is for the children they love.

We just launched a new resource page to walk you through every step of the process. Click below to get started.

Learn More

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. Grandparents are encouraged to attend and participate, even if their grandchildren are not attending the event. RSVP now!

Family Days:

Saturday, April 25, Inova Children's: Fairfax, VA
Saturday, May 2, Boston Children's Waltham: Waltham, MA
Saturday, June 13, UCSF Benioff Children’s: San Francisco, CA
Coming July 11, 2026, Cincinnati Children's: Cincinnati, OH
Coming August 2026, Vanderbilt Children's: Nashville, TN
Coming August 2026, Children's Hospital of Atlanta: Atlanta, GA
Coming September 2026, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, PA
Coming Fall 2026, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Philadelphia, PA
Coming Fall 2026, Rady Children's Hospital: San Diego CA
Coming Fall 2026, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles: Los Angeles, CA

Regional Conferences:

Saturday, May 16, North and South Carolina Regional Conference: Duke, Raleigh-Durham, NC
Saturday, November 7 (Save the Date), Florida Regional Conference, Orlando, FL

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. Everyone is invited!

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: