Grandparent Connect

Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM Eastern​

Grandparent Connect meets the 4th Thursday of every month.

A welcoming space for grandparents of children with JM to learn from one another, share experiences, and stay connected.

Grandparents have been such a driving force in this movement, helping JM families feel supported across the country. As we head toward Labor Day, you can still make a big impact! Walk from wherever you are or share the effort with loved ones in other states to help us reach our $50,000 goal and bring even more communities into the circle.

One nation walking together.

Sept 16 Town Hall

Join us for an important Cure JM Town Hall with Dr. Dawn Wahezi on September 16 at 8 PM ET. She’ll share the latest breakthroughs in JAK inhibitor treatments and what these developments could mean for children with JM. It’s a great way for grandparents to stay informed and support their families with confidence.

Grandparent GEMs

Grandparent GEMs are on a roll — more grandparents are giving monthly and strengthening the research and care families depend on. Want to join them? Details below.

Welcome Leah Kania,

NLC Vice Chair

We’re excited to welcome Leah Kania as the new Vice Chair of the National Leadership Council, Cure JM’s national volunteer leadership group that helps raise funds, support families, and advance our mission in communities across the country.

Leah is the mother of Olivia, who was diagnosed with JM in 2019 at age three. Since joining the Cure JM community in 2020, Leah has become a dedicated and highly engaged volunteer. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Holiday Challenge Campaign and Committee and has been an active NLC leader.

Leah brings thoughtful leadership, strong collaboration, energy, and a true “all in” approach to everything she does. We’re excited for her to step into this new role and continue helping lead the NLC and advance Cure JM’s mission!

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.

Grandparents are encouraged to attend, even if their family lives in another state or is unable to attend. Many grandparents have found Family Day to be a meaningful and enjoyable experience.

IRA Giving

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA to Cure JM. A QCD generally counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), if one is required, while allowing you to support research and families affected by juvenile myositis without including the gift in your taxable income.

Many grandparents find this to be one of the simplest and most tax-efficient ways to make a meaningful impact.

Visit our new IRA Giving resource page to learn more, or consult your financial or tax advisor to determine whether a QCD is right for you.