September 16 Town Hall

The Lisraya approval may leave JM families with new questions. How do JAK inhibitors work? What could progress in adult dermatomyositis mean for children with JM? What should families understand right now?

Join Cure JM and Dr. Dawn Wahezi on September 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET for a family-focused conversation about the latest developments and the potential future of JAK inhibitors in juvenile myositis. Bring your questions and join us.

A Summer of Strength: Thank You for Walking Strong

The Meza family’s walk captured what Walk Strong Across America is all about: showing up for kids with JM and reminding families they are not walking this road alone.

This summer, families across the country walked, shared their stories, and raised more than $34,000 to support Cure JM’s mission. We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part.

And Walk Strong does not end with summer. Families can Walk Strong Across America year-round, right from home, in their neighborhood, or wherever they are. Every step keeps awareness, connection, and hope moving forward.

Prefer to walk together? Find an upcoming Walk Strong to Cure JM event near you and join the community in person.

From a Lemonade Stand to a National JM Network

Cure JM began with a lemonade stand, a handful of determined families, and a vision for something better.

That vision now includes a Clinical Care Network of 83 clinicians across 54 institutions. These experts are working together to share knowledge, strengthen care, educate families, and prepare for new treatments and clinical trials.



The network is proof of how far this community has come and what families, clinicians, and volunteers can build together.

Clinical Trials & Research Opportunities

1. RESET-Myositis Urgently recruiting adults age 18+ with a JDM diagnosis at any age. Eligible children and teens are also still being accepted, with enrollment open to participants ages 6–75 at 35 sites across the United States and United Kingdom. The study is evaluating a CAR-T cell therapy approach that uses a patient’s own immune cells to target and reset parts of the immune system that may be driving disease activity in juvenile myositis. Contact: clinicaltrials@cabalettabio.com

2. Fatty Acid Supplementation Trial for Dermatomyositis (FAST for DM)

Can fish oil improve Dermatomyositis symptoms? NIH is recruiting U.S. adults ages 18–60 with JDM or DM for a clinical research study. Compensation up to $800. Contact: fastdmsupport@nih.gov

3. HELIOS Cartesian Therapeutics is evaluating Descartes-08, an investigational CAR-T cell therapy, in children, adolescents, and adults with several autoimmune diseases, including childhood-onset juvenile dermatomyositis. Participation includes study visits at one of the 4 sites listed here, and travel reimbursement is available for eligible participants. Contact: trials@cartesiantx.com

4. TEAM-LEADS Study Help Duke Children's develop an online app to support stress management and healthy routines for teens and young adults with dermatomyositis. Contact: lynn.rodgers@duke.edu

Questions? Contact Cure JM's James Tealy: james.tealy@curejm.org

Eligibility and participation are determined in consultation with your care team. Visit Cure JM’s Clinical Trials page to learn more.

Mental Health Matters

What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting This

So many parents search for guidance in the early days of a JM diagnosis, hoping for something that will help them understand what to expect when life suddenly changes. In this month’s featured piece our Mental Health Coordinator, Ronda Thorington, shares the perspective she wishes she had when her daughter was first diagnosed and offers gentle, honest insights for families who are just beginning this journey.

Read Ronda’s full reflection here

Family Days

Family Days offer JM families a chance to learn from experts, connect with other families, and feel supported by a caring community. These events include medical updates, family‑to‑family conversations, and time to build relationships that last. 

Click for more dates listed throughout 2027.

GEMs

GEMs (Giving Every Month) is growing, and families across the country are helping build a reliable foundation for Cure JM’s work. Monthly gifts protect progress in research and expand the support families count on. You can join the GEMs community at any time.

2026 Holiday Challenge is Coming!

The Cure JM Holiday Challenge returns this fall with new stories, new families, and new reasons for hope. Sign up now and stay tuned!