I would like for you to take the time and imagine doing all your normal everyday activities such as walking, running, going up and down stairs, and even getting in and out of your car. Now imagine  being 4 years old doing all those things yet it causes you extreme pain to the point of tears. Can you imagine it?  Well, that is exactly what our son Ronan had gone through. He went through so much pain that at night he would whimper and even cry out. It took us 10 days from the day of being admitted in the hospital to find out what was going on. It was day after day of bloodwork,  IVs, tests, and Dr exams. Finally an MRI and rheumatologist exam later we got an answer for what was causing him pain. The answer was Juvenile Dermatomyositis known as JDM. JDM is a type of Juvenile Myositis which is an rare illness that affects 3,000 to 4,000 children in the US.  Ronan and children like him take daily medication, and vitamins. They also have to have weekly injections and even monthly IV treatments just to be able to do those normal everyday activities pain free. Though it is common for it to go into remission even remission without medication there is no cure. My family and I have never heard of this illness nor did it cross our minds that Ronan had this. However, now that we are aware of this illness we want to make as many people as we can aware as well. 

We invite you to show your support by making a gift and walking with us on or before July 4th - from the comfort of your home, in your yard, or around your neighborhood.  

Gifts will be matched by the Leetz Family Match.  Every dollar makes a difference and gifts will be put straight to work to advance research for better treatments, better care, and, ultimately, a cure.

We are so grateful for your support.