Dear Friends and Family,

You may know that 3 months ago Maddie was diagnosed with Juvenile dermatomyositis a rare and possibly debilitating condition. Her identical twin sister Olivia is newly diagnosed and undergoing all testing and treatments. In these past 4 weeks Maddies condition progressed to her muscles. We are so thankful its still considered mild but the uncertainty of this disease is unsettling. Both girls are now currently on the same treatment daily steroids, weekly shots, daily Hydroxychlorquin and 4 week blood draws.

In case you hadn’t heard of it (we hadn’t either) Juvenile Myositis turns a young life upside down. Approximately 2 to 4 children in a million in the United States are diagnosed with JM each year. Most times it gets misdiagnosed and requires lots of testing such as bloodwork, MRI, skin biopsy etc. Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a disease in children that causes skin rash (dermato) and muscle inflammation (myositis). The immune system loses control and the body attacks itself. It can steal a child’s ability to walk, play, or even swallow.  Right now, there are no FDA-approved treatments and no cure.We know that Maddie and Olivia deserve better. 

That’s why we are participating in Cure JM Foundation’s Virtual Walk Strong New York. ​

Our goal is to raise $2,500 for JM research and also to spread awareness to help other families!

Gifts are tax-deductible and will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Leetz Family Match.              

• ​Click this link to give
• http://events.curejm.org/goto/TeamMaddieandOlivia
• Checks can be made out to Cure JM and mailed to Cure JM, P.O. Box 45768, Baltimore, MD 21297 with "Maddie & Olivia" in the memo.

Like many rare diseases, Juvenile Myositis research is only made possible by friends and family like you!

Your gift will be put right to work to:

• ​Pursue promising new treatments
• Fund clinical trials
• improve care for children with JM, through Cure JM's clinical care network and centers of excellence

THANK YOU for giving the gift of hope to our beautiful girls. 

Hope for better treatments. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for a cure.

With Gratitude,

The Reilly Family