Kayleigh's Story
Kayleigh’s daughter was diagnosed in 2022 at age 7. She is committed to supporting other families, knowing how important it is that no one walks this journey 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
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.
Click a photo to learn about our leaders
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
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
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.
| 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 |
Kayleigh’s daughter was diagnosed in 2022 at age 7. She is committed to supporting other families, knowing how important it is that no one walks this journey alone.
Tiffany became involved with Cure JM after her daughter was diagnosed in 2019 at age 13. She credits Cure JM’s resources with being instrumental in getting her daughter the help she needed. Tiffany serves on this committee to pay it forward and to ensure other families know they are not alone.
My daughter Annalise was diagnosed at age 8 in 2004. There was very little support back then and fewer treatment options. I’m happy to co-chair the Family Support Network to share our journey and provide perspective and hope to other parents. You are not alone!
Para que su recaudación de fondos sea igualada, añada "DIY Match" en la nota de su donación en línea o cheque.