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BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE FOR CURE JM PARENTS

It’s important to contact your school about your child’s Juvenile Myositis. A lot will depend on your child's situation and your school district, but here’s information to get you started:

• Gather Documents
  Ask your child’s pediatrician or rheumatologist to write a letter detailing specific needs. Here’s a sample letter. Also, print several copies of What is JM?.
• Familiarize Yourself with Common School Accommodations
  You can find a list here.
• Meet with Key School Personnel
  Organize a meeting with key school personnel (principal, nurse, teacher) to go over the doctor’s letter, What is JM?, detail specific needs, and answer questions.
• Get Your Child Involved
  When possible, include your child in school meetings with teachers and administrators. Increase your child’s participation and responsibility each year. The goal is an empowered Adolescent/Young Adult who can communicate and advocate for themselves.
• Know Your Rights
  Familiarize yourself with 504 protections and Individual Family Service Plans. We have detailed information on both here.

THE DUKE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS IS THE NEWEST JM CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

“It is an honor to be named as a Cure JM Center of Excellence. I appreciate the great progress this organization has made excel to excel education, clinical care and discoveries for Juvenile Myositis,” said Dr. Ann M. Reed, Department of Pediatrics Chair and Duke’s Cure JM Center Director.

“We at Duke bring a team-based approach to our care, including a rheumatologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition, and behavioral health. All come together to care for our patients and families. We are very excited to continue our longstanding work in Juvenile Myositis and find new discoveries to work toward a cure.”

This is the fourth Cure JM Center of Excellence, Cure JM Center of Excellence in Juvenile Myositis Care and Research at Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, affiliated with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, George Washington University Myositis Center, and Seattle Children's Hospital.

Contact info@curejm.org with any questions.

CURE JM BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE

We're excited to announce the appointment of Kevin Coffey and Tracy Van Ness to the Board of Directors.

Tracy is Associate Clinical Professor at Pace University New York City-Lenox Hill Hospital and also works as a physician assistant in adult and pediatric neurosurgery on Long Island in New York.

Kevin is Chief Financial Officer at Globecomm Systems, Inc.

“Kevin comes to us with a rich background in financial and educational business, so he’s an asset to the organization in so many ways,” said Nikki Hahn, Cure JM’s incoming President.

Mitali Dave, Cure JM’s sitting President, said about Tracy, “Given her medical background, we anticipate Tracy playing an increasingly important role in guiding Cure JM's future research investments.”

Read more about Cure JM’s all-volunteer Board of Directors.

CURE JM EARNS DISTINCTION FOR TRANSPARENCY

Cure JM has once again earned the GuideStar Platinum Profile Seal of Transparency. The platinum level is the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world's largest database of nonprofits. This distinction means that Cure JM is transparent about in-depth financial information; quantitative information about goals, strategies, and progress toward our mission.

UPCOMING EVENTS

8th Annual Yard Sale to Cure JM
Friday, August 24th and Saturday, August 25th
Lake Stevens, WA 98258

Items for sale can be dropped off on Thursday. Contact Julie Shevlin for drop off arrangements or any questions at julie.shevlin@curejm.org.

Bowl 2 Cure JM
Sunday, August 19 10:00am to 1:00pm
King's Dining and Entertainment
52 2nd Avenue
Burlington, MA 01803

Join us to celebrate Liam's birthday and raise funds to support Cure JM. Everyone is welcome! Contact lizryan519@gmail.com for more information.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

2nd Annual Massachusetts Walk Strong to Cure JM™ Family Fun Event and Fundraising Walk
Sunday, September 30th, 10:00am - Noon
The Arboretum at Green Hill Park
50 Skyline Drive
Worcester, MA 01605

Registration opens 9:00am. Walk Festivities begin 10:00am. Contact melissa.corey@curejm.org for more information.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE

3rd Annual Seattle Walk Strong to Cure JM™ Family Fun Event and Fundraising Walk
Saturday October 6th, 10:00am
Marymoor Park, Marybelle Meadow
6046 West Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE
Redmond, WA 98052

Registration opens 9:00am. Walk Festivities begin 10:00am. Contact shannon.malloy@curejm.org for more information.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE

2nd Annual New York Walk Strong to Cure JM™ Family Fun Event and Fundraising Walk
Sunday, October 14th
Quaker Ridge Elementary School
Scarsdale, NY

Registration opens 9:00am. Walk Festivities begin 10:00am. Contact tracy.vanness@curejm.org to learn more or get involved.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE

Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact enews@curejm.org.