Anna Ramsey has lived with juvenile myositis for most of her adolescent and adult life. Over the years, Anna has been actively involved in Cure JM as a fundraiser, an advocate, and most recently, the first-ever patient on the Board of Directors.

Having been on her journey for some time, Anna quickly got involved with Cure JM as a volunteer and fundraiser within months of her diagnosis to take action in her fight and the fight of others. As Anna puts it, “I decided to do something about it.” This early involvement became both rewarding and cathartic. Over time, Anna’s volunteer leadership continues to shine, and her willingness to help others has inspired her peers and the next generation of JM kids.

Beyond her role on the Board of Directors, Anna is also a founding member of the Cure JM Advocates Council, a group of young adults living with JM who are shaping ideas for improved care.

Recently, we interviewed Anna to get her thoughts on her involvement and inspiring leadership. Thank you, Anna, for all that you have done and continue to do for our mission!

Over the years, we’ve seen the power of lifelong friendships stoked through our local chapters. The Seattle chapter has historically been one of our notable chapters, with many active families making our mission possible.

One such alliance in the Seattle area is that of the Shevlin and Smiddy families. These two families have come together to host community events that make Cure JM’s crucial work possible. Their approach has been to keep it simple with a “yard sale,” yet the event has become a staple in their community and a way for JM families and friends to stay connected year after year.

We interviewed Julie Shevlin and Sarah Smiddy to learn more about their annual yard sale fundraiser and why it’s so meaningful to them and other JM families.

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
• Houston, TX - Saturday, October 6th
• Austin, 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.

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 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.