Hi Family, Friends and Colleagues,

As many of you know, in February, 13 year old Mila was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis, a very rare and progressive disease without a cure ... yet! In March, Mila began drug treatment, including low-dose chemotherapy and physical therapy under the brilliant care of a team of pediatric rheumatologists, cardiologists, pulmonologists, dermatologists, radiologists, physical therapists and child life specialists at Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell in NYC.

In juvenile dermatomyositis, the body's natural defense system can't tell the difference between its own cells and foreign ones. The body mistakenly attacks its own tissues and organs. The attacking cells trigger inflammation throughout the body, leading to muscle, joint and skin problems, pain, fatigue, and organ damage. 

Right now, there are no FDA-approved treatments and no cure. Current treatments are largely borrowed from childhood cancer treatments and these treatments have side effects.  

To raise funds for clinical trials, study of autoantibodies and gene therapies, I am participating in Walk Strong to Cure JM.  I will be joining the Walk in Washington, DC on July 2nd, after attending the Cure JM's National Family Conference.  

My ask is that you pray for Mila and for those who are able, that you donate a tiny bit to Team Mila to support Cure JM's work.  It is Cure JM's 20th anniversary and the Leets Family is matching all gifts.  

Thanks for loving and supporting Mila and for walking this road with us!

With faith, love and gratitude,

Tina