In the fall of 2016, at the age of ten, Violet began to feel unwell. She was experiencing extremely high fevers that would come and go with no explanation. After many trips to the doctor, in January of 2017 they did bloodwork, but no answers. As time went on her symptoms grew. Violet constantly complained of muscle soreness. The doctors still didn’t have any definitive answers. We were told, “Maybe it’s Lyme’s disease, maybe it’s growing pains.” We even thought, maybe she’s just being lazy.

By the spring of 2017 she began having trouble running and lifting things. It was clear that there was something very wrong. But even then it wasn’t until she was in excruciating pain and she could barely walk or lift her head that she was finally hospitalized, put through extensive testing, and diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis. A rare autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. JM can cause pain, weakness, inability to walk and disfigurement. Unfortunately in some cases it can even be fatal. It effects three in a million children.

In the hospital, Violet began high doses of steroids, methotrexate injections (a chemotherapy drug), IVIG infusions, plus a host of secondary drugs to combat the side effects of the first line treatments. Her immune system was attacking her muscles, and potentially her organs. When she was released from the hospital she couldn’t walk. She couldn’t lift a fork or a glass or do anything for herself.

It’s been a long road, physically and emotionally, but more than two years later we are happy to say that Violet is responding well to treatment. She’s walking, running, doing ballet. She’s stronger. But she is still on medication and sadly, she will have JM for the rest of her life. She often feels tired and she will never be able to just enjoy the sun without fear of her disease flaring. There are currently no FDA-approved treatments and no cure…yet…but that’s where you can help.

We are walking for a CURE for Violet and for the thousands of children in the US and around the world who suffer from this awful disease. Your support means so much to us and gives us HOPE.

This event is free and open to the public. All proceeds benefit Cure JM Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for Juvenile Myositis.