Join Us for Walk Strong Across America for Emmie on July 4, 2021!
We are participating in the 2nd annual Walk Strong Across America and invite you to show your support by making a gift and walking with us on July 4th, 2021 - at Vista Del Arroyo Park in Simi Valley at 9:30am OR from the comfort of your home, in your yard, or around your neighborhood. Bring the kids, ride bikes or scooters all decked out for the 4th of July! Don’t forget you Team Emmie shirts & signs! We’re hoping to bring awareness to JM and raise funds for research! Also, look for us on Facebook: Team Emmie- Walk Strong Across America for Juvenile Myositis.
Emmie is 4 years old. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis when she was one and a half. Since her diagnosis she’s been on medication, trying to get to remission. We've been treating skin rashes and muscle weakness. She needs a cure. Every week she gets a shot in her thigh, and every 1-3 months she has to go in for blood draws and strength tests, something she really has a hard time with. When in remission, kids (and adults) with JM can have flares, which means their disease is active again and they have to begin medications once more. The medications for this disease are very strong and usually involve steroids/ chemotherapies another treatment is IVIG infusions. Emmie was close to having to start IVIG’s but luckily she responded to a higher dose of the injectable meditation she takes, other kids aren’t so lucky! Having to do weekly IVIG treatments along with other medications is hard on them. There are also a lot of mental health issues with children who have JM, the toll this disease takes on them and the side effects of the medications can range from mood swings, nausea to weight gain. We're excited to raise funds to try and find new and more effective medications for JM & one day, a cure!
Emmie lives in Southern California with her Mom & Dad and three siblings. She has a cat & two dogs and is looking forward to starting preschool next year. She takes dance classes & is in boxing! She’s a very outgoing, sweet girl.
Cure JM families, friends and supporters are coming together to raise $750,000 for Juvenile Myositis research. Reaching this important milestone will help ensure no promising research is left on the table in 2021.
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.
![TeamRaiser Achievement Badge](../images/friendraiser_uploads/1832_lg_1808.1866217594.orig.png)
![TeamRaiser Achievement Badge](../images/friendraiser_uploads/1833_1809_1369_lg_1040.472949922.orig.png)
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