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.

The connections you’ve built over a lifetime can carry hope farther than any single step. Walk Strong Across America is underway, and grandparents can help expand it across the country. Participate from anywhere or share the movement with family and friends in other states so more communities can be represented.

Help us reach all 50 states by Labor Day! One nation walking together.

Adley's Story of Hope

The Carpenter family of West Virginia is walking alongside their daughter Adley as she navigates JM. Alyssa shares how important awareness is for families:



“Many days Adley looks like a perfectly healthy child, but those closest to her know the battle happening inside her body.”

Their story is a reminder of how much strength our kids carry and how much difference early recognition can make.

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.

Executive Director Report

If you missed last month’s Executive Director Report, it offered a hopeful look at global JM research.

Experts in the United States and Europe are collaborating on new approaches to treatment, including CAR T, JAK inhibitors, and other targeted therapies. Cure JM is helping ensure this knowledge reaches the physicians caring for children today and preparing hospitals for the next generation of clinical trials.

Read the full report for a closer look at this progress.

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.