Happy Summer!! 

It’s that time of year again! When I work as hard as I can to continue keeping the  promise I made myself and my daughter back in 2013, 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!***

Knowing I could not simply take this disease away from her, I promised us both that I would do whatever I could to help find a cure. Every year, as President of the New England Chapter of Cure JM, myself and other local JM families plan our Walk for a Cure. Before Covid we made the event a fun filled family day with food, raffles, activities/games and a short walk. The past few years, including this year, we have had virtual events with all the chapters across America. We still have Team Cadence and I will try to fundraise as best I can. I am aware that times are not easy for most of us after the pandemic- so please know that each and every dollar donated is recognized and MUCH appreciated. The support through the years has been simply amazing!!! So please consider helping me keep my promise to Cadence and help find a cure. Funds are also used for awareness and physician education- which I think is also extremely important. 

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

Steph & Family