September 2025 Town Hall – TRANSFORMING CARE OVER THE LAST 35 YEARS

Dr. Feldman paints a ”then vs. now”’ picture of progress over the past 35 years, when JM care was fragmented and inconsistent, versus today’s coordinated approach. He discusses how these efforts are helping bring clinical trials from the research bench to the clinic exam room faster and accelerating real-world improvements for kids and families living with this rare disease.

Dr. Brian Feldman is chair of Cure JM’s Medical Advisory Board and a global leader in pediatric rheumatology. Based at the Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto, Dr. Feldman is internationally recognized for his contributions to clinical research and care delivery in childhood autoimmune diseases.

Austin Krainz’s Story

Austin Krainz, diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis at the age of seven, overcame the challenges of a rare disease with the support of his family and pioneering treatment from Dr. Lauren Pachman. After more than a decade of battling the illness, Austin entered remission, fulfilling his childhood dream of professional racing in Porsche’s GT America series.

Affordable and Accessible Treatments for JM

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.

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