Dr. Jessica Turnier of the University of Michigan and the Cure JM Clinical Care Network is pioneering JM care through her 360-degree, multidisciplinary approach to care. Dr. Turnier’s model optimizes patient care by fusing research and clinical care through a collaborative network of supporting specialists. In collaboration with the Cure JM Clinical Care Network, Dr. Turnier and the University of Michigan have created a dedicated JM clinic that includes dermatology, psychology, and physical therapy under one roof. Amongst several goals, this highly integrated approach helps patients and families take a more active role in their informed care. 

One practical advantage of this approach is that patients coming long distances can see multiple providers in one visit. “We just felt that for coordinating communication, this arrangement simplifies things,” she states.

Recently, Dr. Turnier presented the benefits and inner workings of this multidisciplinary approach to other researchers and clinicians during Cure JM’s January 2024 Medical Symposium. To learn more about how this new approach in JM care can benefit your child, click below to read the full feature and watch the presentation.

Last year, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative awarded Cure JM and a consortium of Cure JM-funded researchers a $2 million rare disease research grant to identify new biomarkers in JM and improve personalized care through cellular interactions that drive inflammation in juvenile myositis across diverse patient groups.

Recently, the project’s team has created a new Community Advisory Board to ensure that the entire JM community is represented during this cutting-edge research project. Cure JM CAB members are the link between the greater JM community and the project’s research team, working together to ensure that the needs of the entire JM community are understood and addressed.

To learn more about this project and how you can get involved, visit www.curejm.org/czicab

The 2024 grant cycle saw a strong field of new, progressive research projects from world-class researchers across the globe. The field of engaged, leading JM researchers continues to grow with studies in new targeted drug discovery, new biomarkers identification to more precisely predict flares, and brain development in inflammatory diseases.

We hope that by developing new treatments, patients of all ages will be able to reduce the use of harsher treatments like prednisone and methotrexate.

Click the button below to learn more about the 2024 research and mental health projects.

A special educational support opportunity for collegiate JM patients using their experience to lead and inspire is now open.

The Pioneers in JM Advocates Scholarship is a new scholarship program honoring the founding members of Cure JM’s inaugural Medical Advisory Board and pioneering JM researchers and clinicians, Drs. Lauren M. Pachman, Ann M. Reed and Lisa G. Rider.  

The application period is now open through April 30th.

The Pioneers in JM Advocates Scholarship is intended to be awarded to three deserving students with juvenile myositis who:

• Impact the juvenile myositis community through their volunteer and leadership efforts
• Inspire the juvenile myositis community by overcoming adversity while empowering others to do the same

To learn more about this program and full details, click the button below.

We are bringing the Family Conference experience to the regional and local levels for all JM families nationwide. Join us for empowering connection and learning!  

Our families will join sessions with leading doctors, sharing the best treatment options, new research findings, and valuable tips to improve your child's care.

Meet other JM families at an upcoming educational Family Day or Regional Conference in your area. Learn the latest in JM research and care while meeting others who share similar journeys.

Click here for a list of 2024 events and details. For questions about any event, contact lauren.alvord@curejm.org.

Hundreds in our community are coming together nationwide to walk for a brighter future! 

You can join the fight by striding with us in your region!

Walk Strong events feature food, fun, and friendship as we celebrate the power of community and walk for progress.

Upcoming walks:  RSVP here to join a walk in your region!

• Dallas, TX - Saturday, April 20th 
• Kansas City, KS - Saturday, April 27th
• Reno, NV - Saturday, April 27th
• Metro D.C. Sunday, April 28th
• Pittsburgh, PA - Sunday, April 28th 
• Chicago, IL - Sunday, May 5th
• Pacific Northwest (Seattle) - Saturday, May 11th 
• Cincinnati, OH - Sunday, May 19th
• New York/ Connecticut Sunday, May 19th
• Metro D.C. Sunday, September 22nd
• Nor Cal - Saturday, September 28th
• Austin, TX - Saturday, October, 12th
• Houston, TX - Saturday, October 12th
• Tampa, FL - Saturday, October 26th
• Raleigh-Durham October - TBD
• Nashville, TN - October - TBD

Don’t see your town listed? Contact Nicole.Ryba@curejm.org to learn more about walking from home or starting a walk.