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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Now Enrolling: Cabaletta CAR-T Trial (Cell Therapy for JDM)

This clinical trial is now recruiting patients ages 6–28 at 31 sites, with additional locations expected. Ages may vary slightly by site.

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.

If you are interested in learning more, consider reaching out to your clinician through your patient portal to start a conversation about whether a clinical trial may be an option for your family.

Considering a clinical trial can feel overwhelming. Cure JM can connect families with parents and patients who have participated in clinical trials, so you can ask questions and hear directly about 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 and take the next step.

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Home IVIG: A Family Perspective

How does IVIG at home differ from hospital-based care for families living with juvenile myositis? In this new resource, one family shares their experience transitioning from hospital infusions to home-based care, offering an honest look at both the challenges and the unexpected moments of comfort along the way.

For families exploring IVIG options, understanding what home infusions can look like is an important part of the decision-making process. This resource shares one family’s experience alongside key considerations to discuss with your care team.

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We are excited to introduce GEMs, a new way to recognize individuals who support Cure JM by Giving Every Month.

Individuals and families in our community have always been some of the most steady and generous supporters of Cure JM. Monthly gifts provide reliable support for research, family programs, and advocacy.

If you are already giving monthly, thank you. You are already a GEM, and we are grateful for your continued commitment.

If you would like to join others who are Giving Every Month, click the button to learn more.

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April Town Hall - April 30, 2026

6pm ET / 5pm CT / 4pm MT / 3pm PT

Parenting a child with chronic illness often means carrying more than you ever expected. Anxiety, treatment pressures, and the constant effort to protect and soothe can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed and isolated.

At this virtual Town Hall, we welcome Dr. Eli Lebowitz of the Yale School of Medicine, creator of Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). This evidence-based, parent-focused approach gives families practical tools they can use at home. Dr. Lebowitz will share supportive responses that strengthen a child’s ability to cope, offering a meaningful source of confidence and connection for caregivers on a difficult journey.

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.

Applications are open through May 10, 2026.

Click below to learn more.

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NIH Rare Disease Day Keynote

Watch the Video

Cure JM was proud to represent the JM community as a keynote speaker at Rare Disease Day at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where leaders from across the rare disease community gathered to highlight the importance of research and collaboration.

More than 700 members of the JM community signed Cure JM’s Rare Disease Day proclamations, demonstrating the powerful collective voice of families and supporters advocating for progress.

Our Executive Director, Jim Minow, led the program to share the urgent need for continued investment in juvenile myositis research and the impact of partnerships with institutions like NIH. Dr. David Chang of Cabaletta Bio spoke about promising progress in emerging therapies, offering hope for families affected by juvenile myositis.

A meaningful moment of the day came when JM mom Leah Kania and her daughter Olivia presented the Dr. Joni L. Rutter Award for Research Excellence, recognizing Dr. Rutter’s leadership and dedication to advancing rare disease research.

Events like this remind us how powerful the partnership between families, researchers, and supporters can be as we work together toward better treatments and a cure.

Clinician Spotlight

Meet Dr. Lauren Covert

Dr. Lauren Covert, a pediatric rheumatologist at Duke University, is dedicated to improving the lives of children living with juvenile myositis through both compassionate care and innovative research. As a clinician and translational scientist, her work focuses on understanding the underlying causes of juvenile dermatomyositis using bioengineered human muscle, with the goal of identifying new biomarkers and advancing treatment options.

Dr. Covert takes a personalized, patient-centered approach, working closely with children and their families to develop evidence-based treatment plans that address individual needs and concerns. Her work reflects a broader commitment to collaboration and innovation, recognizing that progress in rare diseases depends on multidisciplinary teamwork and creative problem-solving.

Click below to learn more about her work on the Myobundle.

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Siblings play an extraordinary and often overlooked role in the rare disease journey. They adapt, include, protect, and love with a depth far beyond their years.

Their quiet strength helps preserve moments of childhood and connection even during the hardest seasons. This reflection by our Mental Health Coordinator, Ronda Thorington, honors the siblings who show up with empathy, flexibility, humor, and heart.

Click below to read the full story.

Volunteer Spotlight: Keristin Schnurbusch

For seven years, Keristin Schnurbusch has turned a personal connection into lasting impact through Swing Fore a Cure Columbus, raising more than $200,000 for Cure JM.

What began as a way to support one family has grown into a community united around research, care, and hope for children with juvenile myositis. Recently recognized with a national Community Hero Award, her story reflects the power of showing up and taking action.

Read Keristin’s inspiring spotlight here and take the first step to start your own fundraiser.

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. All are encouraged to attend and participate in the event. RSVP now!

Family Days:

Sunday, April 12, Mott Children's: Ann Arbor, MI
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, April 11,Texas and Southwest Regional Conference: Dell Children’s, Austin, TX
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.

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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!

(Cure JM hosts a limited number of Walk Strong events each year in select regions. Many families travel to attend the walk closest to them, and we encourage you to join the event that best fits your location.)

Spring Walks: