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, February 26th, 2026

🕖 6pm ET / 5pm CT / 4pm MT / 3 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.

A Special Message for Grandparents

At our recent Grandparent Alliance meeting, Executive Director Jim Minow shared heartfelt reflections on the vital role grandparents play in the Cure JM community. From steady encouragement to generous support, your presence makes a meaningful difference for families and for the future of research.

🎥 Watch Jim’s message below.

Stand With Cure JM at NIH Rare Disease Day

On February 27, 2026, Cure JM will take the stage as a nonprofit keynote speaker at NIH Rare Disease Day, sharing how partnerships with NIH and NCATS have helped accelerate juvenile myositis research and open doors to new treatment possibilities, including CAR-T.

We invite the Cure JM community to sign a Proclamation of Thanks that will be formally presented at NIH as a collective expression of gratitude for the research partnerships driving progress.

Add your name to the Proclamation of Thanks

Sign the Proclamation

Thursday, February 19, 2026

8pm Eastern | 7pm Central | 6pm Mountain | 5pm Pacific

Our February Town Hall is a conversation created especially for grandparents who love, support, and walk alongside a grandchild living with juvenile myositis. Grandparents play a unique role. You carry deep care, hard-earned perspective, and a steady presence across generations.

A small panel of young adults in their 20s who grew up with JM will share honest reflections on what they wish parents understood, what helped them most, and what—despite good intentions—made things harder along the way.

Rather than offering a roadmap or one-size-fits-all answers, this discussion invites families to listen, reflect, and better understand the lived experience of JM through the voices of those who have walked it into adulthood. The session will be moderated and include time for connection following the conversation.

Click the link to register!

9 Ways Grandparents Can Support Their Family After Diagnosis

When a grandchild is diagnosed with juvenile myositis, it can feel overwhelming. You may be experiencing worry, uncertainty, and a deep desire to help, while also wondering what your role should look like during this time.

Grandparents often provide a unique kind of strength. Your presence, encouragement, and steady support can make a meaningful difference for your grandchild, their siblings, and their parents.

With this in mind, we have gathered insights and practical suggestions from other JM grandparents who have walked this road. These tips are designed to help you navigate the early days after diagnosis and offer support in ways that feel both thoughtful and sustainable.

Learn More

As grandparents, your generosity often comes from a deep desire to protect and care for the next generation. There are two simple and impactful ways you can support children and families affected by JM.

1. Give Through Your IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)

If you are age 70½ or older, you may direct all or part of your IRA Required Minimum Distribution to Cure JM Foundation. This can be a tax-efficient way to give while meeting your annual IRA requirement.

2. Make a Direct Donation

You may also give at any time using funds from your IRA or personal savings. Your gift helps advance research, improve care, and support families living with JM.

Your generosity helps ensure that children with JM receive the care, understanding, and hope they deserve. We are deeply grateful for the role grandparents like you play in strengthening the Cure JM community.

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, February 28, Lurie Children’s: Chicago, IL
Saturday, March 28, Montefiore: Bronx, NY
Saturday, March 28, Seattle Children's: Seattle, WA
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 2026, Cincinnatti Children's, Cincinnati, OH
Coming July 2026, Manning Children's, New Orleans, LA
Coming July 2026, Vanderbilt Children's, Nashville, TN
Coming July 2026, Pittsburgh Children's, Pittsburgh, PA
Coming Fall 2026, CHOP, Philadelphia, PA
Coming Fall 2026, CHOC, Orange County, CA
Coming Fall 2026, CHLA, Los Angeles, CA
Coming Fall 2026, CHOA, Atlanta, GA

Regional Conferences:

Texas and Southwest Regional Conference: Saturday, April 11, Dell Children’s: Austin, TX
North and South Carolina Regional Conference: Saturday, May 16, Duke: Raleigh-Durham, NC

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: