What is Juvenile Myositis?
Juvenile myositis, including juvenile dermatomyositis and juvenile polymyositis, is a group of rare and life-threatening autoimmune diseases, in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues.
Myositis Specific Autoantibodies or MSA’s for Short – What You Need to Know
First, a few terms to know when talking about Myositis Specific AutoAntibodies. So why do we talk about Myositis Specific Autoantibodies? We know that JDM is different for every child. One of the reasons it is different is because of the MSAs. Since the autoantibodies are attacking the body, by understanding these “misguided fighters,” we can understand […]
Getting the Diagnosis
It often takes a bit of time for children with juvenile myositis (JM) to get a proper diagnosis. This is due to the fact that it is rare, it comes in many different forms, and the disease looks different for each individual. Getting a diagnosis is important no matter how long the process takes. Click […]
Video Resources
At Cure JM, we want all our information to be accessible to you and your family. We have compiled all of our video resources in one place for you to view at your leisure.
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.
What Parents Should Know About IVIg (Intra-Venous ImmunoGlobulin)
Important Information for Parents to Know About IVIg (Intra-Venous ImmunoGlobulin)
Affordable and Accessible Treatments for JM
Two special guest speakers, Michelle Vogel, MPA, IV Solutions RX, and Laurel Cherwin, BSN, RN, IgCN, Octapharma, shared information on navigating affordable treatments and care for JM patients.
The Potential of JAKs in Fighting JM
In our June 2024 “Ask the Doc” Town Hall, Dr. Julie Paik joins in a Q&A session to shed light on what JAK inhibitors are, how they work in JM, when parents might consider discussing JAKs as a treatment option, and the pros and cons of their use.
Advocating for Your Child: Navigating School and Community
Practical tips on how to navigate your child’s school system. Presented by Michelle Best (special education and mental health advocate) and Sue Carpenter (special education resource specialist teacher).
Cabaletta Bio Presents Promising Early Data on CAR-T Therapy for Myositis
We expected to hear promising news about the potential for CAR-T therapy to treat myositis at the Global Conference on Myositis (GCOM).
What we heard was more than promising—it was astounding.
What if I told you that there was a therapy that would “reset” the immune system—virtually eliminating the autoimmune response in myositis that causes inflammation, pain, muscle weakness, and other JM conditions of which we are all too familiar.
Balancing Work and Caregiving: Strategies for Working Parents of Children with Juvenile Myositis
Balancing the demands of a career with the responsibilities of caregiving is a challenging task for any parent. For those with a child diagnosed with juvenile myositis (JM), a rare autoimmune disease affecting children, the challenge is heightened. Juggling work commitments while providing the necessary care and support for a child with JM can be taxing. In this article, we hope to provide you with a few effective strategies and insights to help working parents navigate this delicate balance.
Supporting Restful Nights: Practical Tips for Parents of Children with JM
One common issue that we hear about from our families is that after diagnosis their child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. This can be due to a variety of factors including discomfort, pain, worry, or fear. Corticosteroids and other JM treatments can also interfere with sleep.
Research Volunteers and Assistance Needed
Help researchers find the cause and a cure for juvenile myositis by volunteering for these important studies.
A Grandparent Spotlight – Anita
Cure JM recently had the pleasure of interviewing a remarkable individual who hails from Canton, Ohio, and brings a wealth of experience and love to her family. With a vibrant history spanning over five decades of marriage, three daughters, and a rich tapestry of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Anita Mottice’s journey is as inspiring as it is heartwarming. As a retired nurse and devoted wife, Anita shares her profound connection with her family, particularly her grandchild Sydney, who has been diagnosed with Juvenile Myositis (JM).
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.
How Important is Exercise for JM Patients While on the Path to Recovery and Remission?
Juvenile myositis patients and parents of children with JM often ask how important exercise is while on the path to recovery and remission.
Traveling with JM
Planning a trip or vacation can be challenging, especially when you have a child with juvenile myositis. With spring break and summer break just around the corner, the pressure might be even greater. However, at Cure JM, we want to help ensure that you and your child can enjoy all the delights of a vacation with minimal stress.
Cure JM’s 20th Year Opens With the Promise of Four New Research Grants
Research Grants: New Grantees and Exciting Updates From Existing Grant Recipients This year saw a very strong field of grant applications across a variety of JDM research projects. Again, we saw applications spanning the globe, recognition of the Cure JM Foundation’s preeminence in JM research, and global reach. There is a robust process to rank […]
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 […]
Six Mindful Tips for Newly Diagnosed Families
In speaking with JM families nationwide, we have identified six, “mindful tips,” that are crucial when you, your child, and your family are battling JM.
Myositis and You
This comprehensive guide to juvenile dermatomyositis features over 450 pages with contributions from over 80 experts and medical professionals.
Chapter Facebook Groups
Connecting with families can be a great source of knowledge and support. To connect with other families in your region, find your area below or contact Betsy Leon at info@curejm.org.
Transitioning Care From Pediatric Rheumatology to Adult Care
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.
Exercise and Juvenile Myositis
Over the past few years, exercise in juvenile myositis patients has garnered the attention of experts. Exercise is regarded as an important therapy in JM and should be done whether a child is in active disease or remission.
Sun Protection
Whether newly diagnosed or well into your JM journey, you’ve probably heard that sun and ultraviolet light can be a factor in triggering disease activity. Our families and patients often wonder the best ways to protect themselves or their children during the most UV-intense months.
Resources for Emotional and Mental Health
Having a chronic and rare disease is a challenging experience for anyone to go through, and especially difficult on children and adolescents.
Tips from JM Families for JM Families
Helpful tips from other JM families on topics like reducing anxiety during treatments, shots and blood draws, dentist visits, sun shades, journaling, and more!
Emotional and Mental Health: Getting Help
There are resources available for mental health care though it can take awhile to research them, access them, and follow up on the care.
The Importance of Research
Research is vital to finding better treatments and a cure for juvenile myositis. Cure JM funds research studies through our Cure JM Centers of Excellence and the Cure JM Clinical Care Network.
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 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.
Q & A With a Child Life Specialist
The main role of a Child Life Specialist is to help relieve the stress and anxiety that children feel when they become patients; whether in a doctor/dentist office, hospital, emergency room, hospice or any other setting in which children are served.
Understanding Second-Line Treatments and Side Effects
In this presentation, Drs. Curran and Kim explain second-line medications that should be considered after the initial treatment period with induction of treatments already discussed—either the patient cannot tolerate these medications or is still active.
Cure JM Foundation Literature
The following brochures, handouts and posters are available for online viewing and printing. If you need professionally printed copies for an event, please contact us.
Family News
The Cure JM Foundation produces a monthly newsletter with the latest news and updates about Juvenile Myositis. Please click to read past issues of the Family News.
Livy and Gianna’s Enduring Friendship
Building friendships with others in the JM community can be difficult. Since JM is a rare disease, medical common ground might be a state away. But at this summer’s conference, Cure JM’s common ground was Gaithersburg, MD. There, a friendship between two girls was built—but not from scratch. This summer Gigi and Livy shared a […]
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.
Tips for Teens
Here are some tips from Anna, Morgan and Samantha to help you navigate medical and social issues like medications, socializing, school, and diet.
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.
Resources for Patients Who Have Pain
Here are some resources and recommendations for ways of addressing pain. These come from pediatric rheumatologists and other medical providers/researchers.
Products and Resources To Protect Your Child From the Sun
In collaboration with leading experts, we have curated a list of products that can help protect your child from the UV rays that come from the sun and even harmful artificial light.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Resources
The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the two largest Federal programs providing assistance to people with disabilities.
Government Resources
Helpful links for government resources such as the Social Security Administration, Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, and more.
Health Insurance Tips and Links
Tips and links for dealing with insurance claims, denials and appeals, making phone calls, changes in health care law, help with medical bills, and more.
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.
Alex Hackney’s Story
Despite battling juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) as a child, Alex Hackney never envisioned becoming a marathon runner, let alone completing prestigious races like the Chicago and New York Marathons. With over 15 years of grappling with JDM, Alex recently completing her third marathon and found closure and perspective in Chicago.
Nine Ways Grandparents Can Support Their Family After Diagnosis
Here are some ideas shared with us by JM grandparents on how how to best support their grandchild, siblings, and family.
GCOM 2024 Round Up
Recently, Cure JM’s Jim Minow was able to attend the Global Conference for Myositis. This conference was not only informational, but was a most impressive day for Cure JM. The conference brings together leading myositis researchers from around the world to share results and collaborate on future projects leading to better care and improved treatments for our JM kids.
Nine NEW Ways Grandparents Can Support Their Family
Here are some ideas shared with us by JM grandparents on how how to best support their grandchild, siblings, and family.