Kasia Rodriguez was just seven years old when she was diagnosed with juvenile myositis. What began as a childhood diagnosis quickly became a life-changing journey for Kasia and her family.
Over the years, Kasia faced periods of stability and seasons that were much harder. Her mom, Katie, shared that Kasia struggled through several challenging years after diagnosis, and later experienced major flare-ups again during her freshman year and again as a high school senior. Each flare brought its own setbacks, including physical limitations, long recoveries, and the emotional weight of missing out on everyday milestones.
But Kasia kept going.
Today, Kasia is 18 and thriving as a freshman in college, continuing to pursue what she loves most: softball. She is currently in medicinal remission thanks to expert care from physicians at the Myositis Center in Washington, DC, a connection her family credits in part to Cure JM helping them access specialized care. With the right medical team and support, Kasia has been able to regain strength, return to the field, and step into college life with momentum and hope.
Kasia’s story is a powerful reminder that juvenile myositis can bring unexpected challenges, but it can also reveal extraordinary resilience. We are proud to celebrate Kasia’s perseverance and the care teams and community that helped her get to this moment.
Read Kasia’s full local feature
A local writer captured Kasia’s full story in a dedicated write-up. You can read it here:
[Read the full feature on Kasia Rodriguez]
