10th Annual Cure JM Medical Symposium

The 10th Annual Cure JM Medical Symposium in partnership with Duke University happened May 13th, 2023, virtually, with presentations from world-leading researchers and clinicians on advancements in basic research, translational studies, and best practice clinical care in juvenile dermatomyositis. For clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals unable to attend the event, we are honored to share […]
Peer Support

Cure JM offers a variety of family and peer support resources and programs for parents, children, teens, and young adults who are affected by juvenile myositis. We invite all clinicians and providers to share this flyer with newly diagnosed and current JM patients highlighting our mission and delivering standardized resources and support. Learn more here
ProDerm Study Reports Milestone in Treating Adult Myositis

Recently, the Progress in Dermatomyositis (ProDERM) study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported a milestone in managing adult myositis. With the trial’s favorable results, adult myositis patients have new hope with the approval of Octagam® 10%. After decades of juvenile myositis first-line treatments being conducted “off-label,” we may be on the verge […]
Mental and Emotional Health FAQ for Caregivers

Why is emotional/mental health important to our JM kids? Where can I find out more about mental health issues for our JM kids? Where can I learn more about how JM influences anxiety and depression? Where can I learn more about the signs of anxiety and depression in kids and teens? Where can I get […]
Meet with the Researchers Behind Two New Exciting JM Drugs

Hear directly from the researchers behind two exciting new treatments for juvenile myositis. Learn details of the new treatments and what these drugs could mean for you and your child with JM.
The Mosaic of Mental Health Workshop Trainings

The first two workshops for the Mosaic of Mental Health series for pediatric rheumatologists and other providers occurred on October 13 and 27, 2022. These two-hour workshops were sponsored by Cure JM, hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, and offered Continuing Education credits. More than 90 people registered for both sessions, including physicians, nurses, […]
Treatment Plans for Juvenile Myositis

A treatment plan is based on many factors, including the severity and expression of the juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Each case is different and the symptoms can change over time.
Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Myositis

Example images of JM symptoms including calcinosis, skin rashes, gottron papules, lipodystrophy, heliotrope eyelids, plaquenil reactions, and steroid effects.
Six Best Practices for the Newly Diagnosed

In speaking with JM families, we’ve identified seven “best practices” that are absolutely crucial when you, your child and family are battling juvenile myositis.
Myositis and You

This comprehensive guide to juvenile dermatomyositis features over 450 pages with contributions from over 80 experts and medical professionals.
Quarterly JM Medical News

The Cure JM Foundation produces a quarterly newsletter with the latest news, educational opportunities, and research updates about Juvenile Myositis. Please click below to read past issues of the Quarterly Medical Newsletter. September 2022 January 2023
How Important is Exercise for JM Patients While on the Path to Recovery and Remission?

Sue Maillard, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist in Pediatric Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Pain Juvenile myositis patients and parents of children with JM often ask how important exercise is while on the path to recovery and remission. That question was recently addressed beautifully at the Global Conference on Myositis presentation by physical therapist Sue Maillard, a foremost expert, clinical […]
Transitioning Care From Pediatric Rheumatology to Adult Care

Rebecca E. Sadun, MD, Ph.D. Dr. Sadun is a pediatric and adult rheumatologist at Duke University, a Cure JM Center of Excellence. She recently presented at the Global Conference on Myositis (GCOM) on transitioning care from pediatric rheumatology to adult care. Dr. Sadun notes several concerning statistics relating transition to adult care: Dr. Sadun reports […]
The Mosaic of Mental Health: A Workshop for Pediatric Rheumatologists and Other Providers

Two-Part Workshop: Session Two Builds Upon Session One Cure JM Foundation in collaboration with Children’s Hospital of Colorado, is proud to offer this two-part workshop to pediatric rheumatologists and other providers. CME status will be offered as well. Co-sponsors include: The Hospital for Sick Kids of Toronto; Duke University Hospital; Seattle Children’s Hospital; Dr. Susan […]
Impact of Juvenile Myositis on Mental Health

Drs. Kaveh Ardalan, Andrea Knight and Alison Manning discuss juvenile myositis’ impact on mental health.
2022 Cure JM Medical Symposium

Juvenile Dermatomyositis: Advances in Basic Research, Translational Studies and Clinical care. Hosted by Duke University and Cure JM Foundation. March 12th, 2022.
Juvenile Myositis Educational Video

This video provides an overview of juvenile myositis for families newly diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) or juvenile polymyositis (JPM).
Emotional and Mental Health Information for Medical Providers

We recommend that mental health assessment and treatment options be an integral part of comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and adults with juvenile myositis.
Emotional and Mental Health Resources: Teens and Young Adults

Besides the normal turmoil of adolescence, having a diagnosis of juvenile myositis can present you with more stress due to changes in body image, medical visits, medicines, etc.
Understanding Second-Line Treatments and Side Effects

Overall, treating JM aims to treat an overactive immune system. Ways to treat an inappropriately overactive immune system include the following: immunosuppression, or reducing the activity of the immune system, which comes with a risk of infection, and immunomodulation, or reducing the activity of the immune system. Medications for initial treatment or induction include steroids, […]
Emotional and Mental Health: General Resources

In order to understand how our families cope with mental health, we collaborated with Andrea Knight MD MSCE, an expert in the autoimmune and mental health fields.
Cure JM Foundation Highlights

Cure JM has created resources and connections for over 4,000 patients and families in 40 different countries—including regional JM family support representatives throughout the U.S.
Research Volunteers and Assistance Needed

Help researchers find the cause and a cure for juvenile myositis by volunteering for these important studies.
Signs of Depression and Anxiety in Children and Teens

Kids with JDM experience depression and anxiety at 2-3 times a higher rate than their peers. We hope that by outlining the common signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety, you are better able to support your children.
Emotional and Mental Health Resources for Parents and Caregivers of Newly Diagnosed Children

As the parent of a newly diagnosed child, you might feel overwhelmed and worried. These are normal reactions. You might want, and need support, from others who have been, or still are, on this same journey.
Emotional and Mental Health Resources for Experienced Parents and Caregivers

Do you know the warning signs of depression and anxiety? Has your child had a mental/emotional health assessment? Here are some resources for you, your child, and other family members.
Juvenile Myositis Research Links

Progress and Prognosis in Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Juvenile Dermatomyositis: A 20-year Retrospective Analysis of Treatment and Clinical Outcomes, Juvenile Dermatomyositis: A Case Study, and others.
Published Research Studies and Abstracts Supported by Cure JM

There are a number of published studies about juvenile myositis. Browse this list of over 100 published research studies and abstracts.