Cure JM Family Support Network

You are not alone.

Cure JM connects families, so no one has to navigate juvenile myositis alone. Our Family Support Network offers a warm, practical place to meet other parents, grandparents, teens, and young adults who understand the journey. Families share what has helped at school, at clinic visits, and at home, and they encourage one another through the tough days and the milestones.

At Cure JM, research is our mission, but connecting families is our passion

Cure JM parents and grandparents at the 2025 Cure JM family conference

Why connection matters

Living with a rare disease can feel overwhelming. Hearing from another family who has walked this path can make the next step clearer. Connections reduce isolation, build confidence for appointments, and help families find resources sooner. Together we celebrate progress and lift up one another.

What you can expect

  • Thoughtful one to one introductions based on your personal journey

  • Small group Cure JM Connect groups on zoom for parents, grandparents, teens, and young adults

  • Local Chapter fun events, Family Days, Regional Conferences where you can meet clinicians and Cure JM leaders in person

  • Practical guides and tips collected from families and care teams

  • A supportive community that listens and respects your pace

Aiyana Jenkins and another mom at the 2025 Cure JM Conference

How to get connected

Tell us a little about your family and how we can help, and we will introduce you to a volunteer leader in your area. You can join a small group, meet another family, or start with resources for those newly diagnosed. Come as you are. Bring your questions. We are here for you.

A note about medical care
Our community offers support and shared experience. It does not replace medical advice. Every case of JM is different and your care team is the best source for medical decisions.

¿Preguntas? Póngase en contacto con James.Tealy@curejm.org

Get connected

Visit www.curejm.org/join to get started. It is always free and there is no commitment.

After you join, a trained Family Support Representative will reach out by email or text — whichever you prefer — to welcome you and help you connect with other families.

Our Family Support Network Leadership

James Tealy
Lead, James Tealy

Manager of Clinician and Family Education
james.tealy@curejm.org

Tiffany Caldwell
Committee Co-Chair, Tiffany Caldwell
Teens at Cure JM Family Conference 2025 Walk Strong for Cure JM
Teen Support
Young adults
Young Adult Support
  • Support for Young Adults age 30+: Kendall Tiffany, Chyllia Dixon
  • Support for Young Adults age 22-30: Austin Krainz, Anna Ramsey
  • Support for Young Adults age 17-22: Aiyana Jenkins, Courtney Collier, Maddy Coffey
Abuelos en la Conferencia Familiar de JM
Grandparent Support
  • Joel Reed
  • Kim Carlson
  • Lori Kania
Denise Koch with other JM parents
Support for Parents of Adults
  • Molly Tereck
  • Verónica Douglas
  • Tiffany Caldwell
  • Michelle Best
Dads at 2025 National Conference
Dads’ Support
  • Luke Ryan
  • John Caldwell
U.S. Spanish Speaking
  • Anahai Renteria
  • Betsy León
International Support
  • Canada Veronica Montero
  • U.K. Kate Barrett
  • Australia Brent & Emma Hauser
  • Netherlands Lineke Knetsch\
  • Non-U.S., Spanish Speaking Naomi Gonzalez
  • Non-U.S., English Speaking Suzanne Edison

Family Support Network by State

Estado Associated Hospital Póngase en contacto con
Alabama   James Tealy
Alaska   Dom Johnson
Alaska   Christine Johnson
Arizona   Chloe Guizar
Arizona   Kayleigh Weiss
Arkansas   Tiffany Caldwell
California UCSF Trisha Buescher
California Sacramento Jennifer Alspektor
California CHOC Maggie Choy
California CHOC Sandi Harrison
California CHLA Joy García
California UCLA Kellin Smith
California Rady / San Diego Sandi Harrison
California Loma Linda Lynn Neuenswander
Colorado   James Tealy
Connecticut   Debbie Daum
D.C./ Maryland/ Virginia Inova Shannon Taylor
D.C./ Maryland/ Virginia G.W. Michelle Best
D.C./ Maryland/ Virginia Inova Leah Kania
D.C./ Maryland/ Virginia Hopkins Zahra Gol
D.C./ Maryland/ Virginia All others Megan Rimmer
Delaware   Liz Ryan
Florida   Jessica Doherty
Georgia   Sara Echols
Hawaii   James Tealy
Idaho   James Tealy
Illinois Lurie Children’s Christina Hunstad
Illinois Lurie Children’s Nicole Meyer
Illinois Comer Children’s Mel Belpedio
Indiana   Bobbie Bernhart
Iowa   James Tealy
Kansas   Justin Cook
Kansas   Tiffany Caldwell
Kentucky   See Cincinnati
Luisiana   Sara Echols
Maine   Justin Whitney
Maryland   See DMV
Massachusetts   Liz Ryan
Michigan   Rachel Sestak
Minnesota   Brittany Ihme
Mississippi   James Tealy
Missouri   Erin Hicks
Missouri   Ashley Renfrow
Montana   James Tealy
Nebraska   Tiffany Caldwell
Nevada   Trisha Buescher
New Hampshire   Liz Ryan
New Jersey   Nicole Ryba
New Jersey   Lindsay Llauget
New Mexico   James Tealy
Nueva York   Debbie Daum
Carolina del Norte   Sara Echols
North Dakota   Brittany Ihme
Ohio Cincinnati Children’s Alyssa Carpenter
Ohio   Dan Grahn
Oklahoma   Tiffany Caldwell
Oregon   James Tealy
Pensilvania   Kelly Culver
Pensilvania   Mike Kenawell
Pensilvania   Andrea Kenawell
Rhode Island   Liz Ryan
South Carolina   Sara Echols
South Dakota   Brittany Ihme
Tennessee   James Tealy
Texas Houston Abbey Hutchins
Texas Dallas Julie Houpt
Texas Austin/ Central Texas Diana Reed
Utah   Samantha Collier
Vermont   Liz Ryan
Virginia   See DMV
Washington   Shannon Malloy
West Virginia   Alyssa Carpenter
Wisconsin   Nicole Meyer
Wyoming   Tiffany Caldwell
     
Puerto Rico   Naomi González

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