When my son Eldon was diagnosed with juvenile myositis (JM), our world changed overnight.

JM is a rare and devastating autoimmune disease where a child’s immune system mistakenly attacks their own muscles and body. For many families, diagnosis comes after months of uncertainty, unanswered questions, and watching their child struggle with things most children take for granted.

Eldon was so young when he was diagnosed that he never knew a life without JM. He was just a little boy learning to navigate hospital visits, medications, and long treatments. I still remember sitting with him through long IVIG infusions that could last 15 hours at a time, doing whatever I could to keep him comfortable and help him feel safe.

At the time, we didn’t know what the future would hold.

But because of the dedication of families, researchers, doctors, and supporters who refused to give up, the future for children with JM looks different today. Children are being diagnosed faster, families have more support, and researchers are closer than ever to developing better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

I have witnessed that progress firsthand. I have seen how far the JM community has come, and I know how much work still remains.

Right now, we are closer than ever to breakthroughs that could fundamentally change the future of JM. New treatments are advancing, research is moving forward, and there is real hope on the horizon. But progress only happens when families and supporters come together to make it possible.

My family's goal is to raise $40,000 to help ensure that this momentum continues. Right now, every donation will be doubled through the Coffey Family Match, making your impact go twice as far.

Reaching our goal is more important than ever, and we hope you will join us in helping move us closer to a future free from JM.

Please click "Donate Now" to make a gift.

If you prefer to give by check, please make it payable to Cure JM and mail it to:

Cure JM
P.O. Box 45768
Baltimore, MD 21297

Please include our family's name in the memo line.

Thank you for making such a meaningful difference.

Together, we can ensure that no child fights JM alone.

A Cure Starts With You.