Walk Strong to Cure JM 2026: Brittany Allen

Walk Strong to Cure JM Nashville

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Pinkerton Park - Tinkerbell Shelter
405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

RSVP Here!

https://forms.gle/osaZoVFuSjgBUWfh6

Why are we walking?

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.

Hello everyone. I wanted to take a few minutes and share with you why the CureJM Foundation is so very important to our family. This is a little glimpse into Sophie's journey thus far.

Our daughter Sophie is 5 years old and was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis in May of 2025. What we thought was an allergic reaction to strawberries during a bout with COVID turned into her being diagnosed with this rare autoimmune disease. The words "THERE IS NOT A CURE" rocked our world. With the support of the CureJM Foundation, researchers and doctors can learn more about this disease. Their work is leading to new treatment options, which help children live the best life possible with this disease. Sophie's journey thus far has been scary, traumatic at times, and hard. She has had to endure things no child should ever have to go through. In the beginning, our PCP sent us to a dermatologist, who in turn sent us to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. There, we met Dr. Alaina Davis along with many other wonderful professionals. They have been absolutely amazing. Sophie's journey started with doctors' appointments, a myriad of lab tests, and an MRI that were used to help confirm the diagnosis. After the diagnosis was made, she began receiving infusions every week at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, which lasted 2-6 hours depending on the medications being administered that visit. While the trip to Vanderbilt is a 6-hour round trip for us, we are so thankful for those resources being so near to us. In addition to her treatments at Vanderbilt, Sophie receives a weekly shot at home along with multiple medications by mouth daily. Her body has been responding positively to treatments!

Where is Sophie on her journey today?

She is currently going once a month to Nashville for her infusion, labs, and follow-up appointment, and we are attempting to wean off of her steroids, which she has now been on for over a year. She still takes a methotrexate shot every week and multiple medications by mouth each day. She has to wear sunscreen daily now as this disease has caused extreme photosensitivity. The sun along with fluorescent bulbs can cause her body to flare. We have to protect her against that daily.

God has blessed us with such a wonderful network of support with first-class healthcare professionals, prayer warriors, and compassionate family and friends. We are so thankful for the CureJM Foundation and its fundraising for research and education. Without all of these things, Sophie's journey would look very different. Please join us in praying and supporting the CureJM Foundation in hopes that one day the words "THERE IS NOT A CURE" are no longer a part of this diagnosis.

In Hope and Love,

The Allen Family

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 honoree 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.

Achievements

Made a Personal Donation!

You are a role model fundraiser and this will inspire your friends and family to donate too.

Personal Progress:

of Goal

$27,761 Raised

$28,000.00

Fundraising Honor Roll

Anonymous Anonymous

$20,000

Anonymous

Leetz Family Match

$500

We love you Sophie!

Andy Oakes

Sophie we love you so much and hope you have a GREAT walk!!! Love Uncle D, Aunt B, and Keegan

$250

We love you sweet girl!!

The Heplers

$100

We love you Sophie! Guy and Patty

$51

Kendall, Brad and Mila - We love you Sophie!!

$51

Sheila Haynes

Allyson Thompson

$51

Love you sweet girl! The Bakers(Mrs.Melody)

$51

Warren Phipps

$51

Allyson Lee

$51

Rebecca Buchanan

$51

Love, The Williamson Family

$50

We love you Sophie! Keith and Deana

Hannah & Nena

$50

We love you! Waylon, Maria, and Logan

$50

Love you, Sophie! -Tessa Anne Maloney

$50

Brittany, Harp, and Shannon.. wish we could be there this year! ❤️

$50

Candy McCloud

$25

We love you, Sophie! Judy, KATIE and Della

Sallie & Charles Ferguson

$25

I love you Sophie! Love Cace

$20

Make an Impact today - Support Walking for Sophie