Walk Strong

Across America

Summer is in full swing, and families are showing up from coast to coast. With 28 states represented and over $30,000 raised, the energy keeps building all season long.



All summer, families can walk, share photos, tell their story, and invite one more person to walk along— every step supports JM research.



Will your state be represented?

Summer Sun Safety for JM

With record‑breaking heat across the country, sun protection is top of mind for JM families. We’re revisiting a helpful Ask the Doc session where experts share practical tips on sunscreen, UPF clothing, and managing UV exposure.

Researcher & Volunteer Spotlight

Cure JM is proud to congratulate Dr. Tracy Van Ness, DHSc, PA-C, on the publication of her peer-reviewed article, Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Multisystem Impacts and Evolving Treatment Paradigms.

Dr. Van Ness brings a powerful combination of professional expertise and personal commitment to the JM community as Director, Cure JM Board of Directors, Research Committee member, Co-Chair of Cure JM's Walk Strong New York, and JM mom.

This publication reflects Dr. Van Ness’s deep commitment to advancing understanding of juvenile dermatomyositis and improving care for children and families affected by JM.

We are honored to recognize her work and grateful for the many ways she helps advance Cure JM’s mission.

Mental Health Matters

Summer on Our Own Terms

Many JM families know the feeling of bracing for summer instead of celebrating it. This month, our Mental Health Coordinator, Ronda Thorington, shares her family’s story and six supportive steps that can make summer feel lighter, more flexible, and more joyful. If you’ve ever felt the tension between making memories and managing JM, this reflection will resonate.

Clinical Trials & Research Opportunities

1. RESET-Myositis The trial is actively enrolling children, teens and adults with myositis ages 6–75. Enrollment is currently underway at 35 sites across the United States and United Kingdom. All participants in this Phase 1/2 study receive CAR-T therapy, with no placebo group. The study is evaluating a CAR-T cell therapy approach, which 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. Learn More.

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. Learn more.790

Interested in exploring a clinical trial? Start by messaging your clinician through your patient portal. Cure JM can connect you with families who have participated and can share their experience.

To learn more or request a connection, contact James Tealy, Family Education Director, at 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.

Milestone Fundraisers

A birthday, diagnosis day, or any meaningful moment in your JM journey can spark something bigger — support for children, teens, and young adults facing juvenile myositis today.

By pledging a milestone fundraiser, you commit to creating your own Facebook fundraiser on your milestone date. Your pledge helps us celebrate your story and cheer you on as you launch your fundraiser to fuel research, strengthen care, and bring hope to JM families.

Celebrate your story. Support the community. Help move research forward.

Family Spotlight

As Walk Strong Across America continues into July, we’re highlighting families who are helping spread JM awareness across the country. Alyssa Carpenter walks for her daughter Adley, reminding us how powerful early recognition and research can be for every child living with JM.

They’re proving that one family’s determination can help move an entire movement forward, and they're not alone. Click to explore more stories from across the country.

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.

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. 

Upcoming:

July 11 - Cincinnati, OH:

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

August 1 - Nashville, TN:

Vanderbilt Children's Hospital

August 8 - New Orleans, LA:

Manning Children's Hospital

August 22 - Atlanta, GA:

Arthur M. Blank Hospital

Click for more dates listed throughout 2027.