Happy Summer!! 

Many of you know the promise I made myself and my daughter back in 2013. That was the year Cadence was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM). JDM is a very rare autoimmune disease where your own body attacks itself, causing inflammation to the muscles, blood vessels and skin. The inflammation presents itself as fatigue, severe muscle weakness, relentless rashes, pain and sometimes disfigurement. There is no cure for JDM and most medications come with a host of barely tolerable side effects. It’s hard enough to watch your child sick, never mind having to give them medication that makes them feel worse! 

Once I finally came to accept the fact that I could not take this disease away from Cadence, nor could i cure it or give it to myself instead- I swore to both of us that I would do anything in my power to help find a cure. I also made it my mission to help any parents of newly diagnosed children through those difficult and heart-breaking early days. I was/am determined to be a reminder to new families that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for most. 

I am currently the President of the New England Chapter of Cure JM and one of the family outreach members as well. The Walk for a Cure is an annual fundraiser that we hold each year to raise money for research, awareness and hopefully a cure. This years event will be virtual- and again we will team up with all the chapters and have a virtual Walk Across America. All the money raised will go directly to Cure JM, the only nonprofit  organization that supports soly Juvenile Dermatomyositis. 

I know times are not easy for everyone, any amount helps and is extremely appreciated. If you would like to help you can donate right on this page.

*****I will be having some raffles as a thank you to all the generous people in our lives- for every 5.00 donated your name will go on the wheel for chances to win one of our generously donated prizes!! Our grand prize, so kindly donated by my friends at Princess Diamonds, a gorgeous white gold Blue Topaz ring.*****

I thank you all so very very much for your endless support for Cadence and for all of the brave JDM warriors-