Volunteer Spotlight- Kristine Alderfer

As a member of the Cure JM community, you have likely heard the name Kristine Alderfer, a devoted parent of a teen with JM who has become a leader, serving as the President of our Board of Directors.

Kristine has been involved in Cure JM through volunteer roles for many years, and her involvement has become a family affair, as her daughter Katherine is a patient advocate for others with the disease. For over a decade, the Alderfer family has volunteered their time and talents to deliver a lasting impact on our mission. The family has hosted countless JM research fundraisers, including Christmas Shop for a Cure, Evening Under The Stars, and Cure JM marathons.

Most recently, Kristine has taken her leadership to new heights, serving as the Volunteer Chair of Cure JM’s National Family Conference.

We would like to thank the Alderfer family for carrying out the work that supports our community. Click below to hear about Kristine and Katherine’s rare disease journey.

Read Kristine’s Story

Family holding a Cure JM sign on a beach

Our Story

Cure JM was founded 19 years ago by a small group of volunteers who wanted to change the world for children with a rare disease few had ever heard of—juvenile myositis, or JM.

Jim’s 2024 Resolutions

Each January, I share with our community a few personal New Year’s resolutions for the year ahead. I believe these resolutions help us keep a keen focus on the priorities that matter most—better treatments, better care, and a cure for JM.

Conference Image April 2025

2025 Cure JM Family Conference

We are excited to announce that the Cure JM National Family Conference will be back in 2025! Join us for three days with world-class JM researchers, engaging sessions for all, and social time to connect with new friends. The 15th Annual Cure JM National Family Conference is taking place June 27th -June 29th, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois.

Join Cure JM

Membership is free and we’ll connect you with a network of support, encouragement, and resources.

Cure JM supports families, patients, and the juvenile myositis research community.

Interested in DIY fundraising but need help?

We’re here to help!

To have your fundraiser matched, add “DIY Match” in the memo of your online gift or check.