Walk Strong Pittsburgh

Saturday, May 16, 2026

9:00 a.m.

Schenley Plaza - Oval Tent

4100 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA  15260

RSVP HERE! https://forms.gle/osaZoVFuSjgBUWfh6

Brogan was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in October of 2021 at just 10 years old, after a rapid and severe loss of muscle strength took away his ability to do even the simplest daily activities. What started as a subtle decline during the summer quickly progressed—by September, our sports-loving, always-active kid could no longer get out of bed on his own, climb stairs (we had to carry him), or walk without difficulty. He was in significant pain and developed joint contractures, and we still didn’t have answers.

After multiple visits and tests, we finally found Dr. Kietz and the incredible rheumatology team at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Brogan was admitted during that first visit and immediately began an aggressive treatment plan. Since then, he has undergone countless treatments, including multiple medications, monthly IVIG infusions, and ongoing physical therapy to help rebuild his strength.

This was the beginning of our journey—but it hasn’t been a straight path. Since 2021, we’ve continued riding the roller coaster that comes with this disease. Brogan’s case has been more chronic, with periods of progress followed by setbacks. This past winter was especially challenging, reminding us just how tough JDM can be.

But through it all, Brogan continues to show incredible strength and determination. He is a fighter in every sense of the word. His favorite place in the world is on the baseball field, and seeing him return to the game he loves—even if only when he’s feeling up to it—has been nothing short of amazing.

We are so grateful for the CureJM Foundation, the research they continue to support, and the hope they give families like ours. We walk to raise awareness, to support ongoing research, and to move closer to a cure—so that kids like Brogan can spend more time doing what they love, without limits.

Thank you for supporting Brogan and being part of this journey with us.

I'm walking to help kids fighting juvenile myositis (JM) - a painful, rare autoimmune disease that weakens muscles, damages skin and muscles, attacks organs, and can take away simple abilities like walking, smiling, or even swallowing.

There's no cure yet, but progress is happening.  Every step and every donation fuels research, supports families, and brings us closer to better treatments - and one day, a cure.

I'm joining the Walk Strong to Cure JM to raise funds for Cure JM, the only organization fully dedicated to this cause.  When we walk together, small steps create BIG change.

Your Impact Starts Now

Your donation today will:

Empower families - Foster a supportive community where families facing JM can connect with others who have experience in successfully navigating this journey

Fuel breakthroughs - Fund critical research for new treatments and make advances toward a possible cure, including the immune system reset "CAR-T"

Champion the best care - Help all families access the best medical resources and care available, closer to home

Inspire Hope - Let every child and family know they are not alone - and that their future is brighter because of people like you

Take a Small Step.  Make a Big Impact.

Click "Donate Now" to help me reach my goal and fuel this movement for change.

Prefer to donate by check?

Make checks payable to Cure JM and mail to:

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

(Please include Brogan Donahue's name in the memo line.)

Every donation - big or small - makes a real difference.

Thank you for your generosity and support.  Together, we can fight back.  Together, we are the cure in progress.