Cure JM Foundation Newsletter

 

FEATURED STORY

Cure JM Thanks You for a Great 2011

As Thanksgiving time draws near, we want to thank those who have supported Cure JM through fundraising, volunteering, participating in a research study, providing support to other families, or by making a personal donation.  You have enabled Cure JM to make significant strides in 2011 in terms of research, increased awareness and family support. 

 

Some of the highlights from 2011 include:

• Extending research grants for the Cure JM Program of Excellence in JM Research at Chicago Children’s Memorial Research Center and the Myositis Research and Treatment Center at George Washington University.
• Providing funding support to evaluate treatment protocols for patients with moderate to severe juvenile dermatomyositis.  Cure JM is partnering with CARRA (Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance) and the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI) in this exciting collaborative endeavor.
• Growing our Family Support Network by adding eight regional representatives who connect with each new patient registrant, and immediately send out a Welcome Packet.
• Increasing the number of fundraisers by 100%, primarily through golf outings, concerts and dinners/auctions, and also through creative fundraising such as holding yoga classes for donations.
• Holding our largest Cure JM Conference and Fundraiser in Seattle with participation (including virtual volunteers) of over 50 JM families and 100 runners. Raised nearly $200,000.
• Establishing a Medical Advisory Committee consisting of the 3 leading experts in JM research and treatment:  Dr. Lauren Pachman of Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital; Dr. Lisa Rider from the National Institute of Health; and Dr. Ann Reed from the Mayo Clinic.
• Developing new literature including a brochure in Spanish, a welcome kit and a fundraising toolkit.
• Increasing awareness across the U.S. with over 25 newspaper articles or TV news stories.
• Winning “Top Rated Charity” award from the Great Nonprofits Organization.  (see related story below)

Make an End of Year Donation to Cure JM

 

Our cause here at Cure JM has not changed.  We are more focused than ever. The need is greater than ever, and the chance to make an impact even greater still.  Please keep us in mind with your year-end giving.  What better gift is there than giving hope for a cure to the special child in your life with JM?  Donate now.  

 

(Check with your company to see if they match donations.)

 

Cure JM is a Top-Rated Charity for 2011

 

 

Thanks to those of you who submitted glowing reviews of the Cure JM Foundation to the Great Nonprofits website.  All reviewers gave Cure JM the highest rating possible (5 stars).  The Great Nonprofits organization awarded us as a Top-Rated Charity for 2011. 

 

Below are just a few excerpts from our reviews:

“From the moment I made contact with Cure JM, they have made us feel like family members and have been with us every step of the way. No concern is too big or too small. Anytime I've had a question, someone has always been there to help.”  Shari S.

 

“Had it not been for CureJM, I would not have had the crucial information and support to get me through 3 tough, long years. My daughter takes 32 pills a day, has weekly chemo injections, and 10 hour infusions every 3 weeks. I hate this disease, but I am grateful every day that a group of dedicated parents took the time and effort to create CureJM, making resources available from diagnosis to -- God willing -- remission.”   Kelly G.

 

“The strides these parents have made is no less than astounding, with serious contributions made to capital campaigns for serious research, networking between the affected children and parents, and providing a knowledge base that rivals some of the more well documented and supported chronic diseases. As a parent with a child who had a related illness, I have also benefited from this knowledge base, as many of the drugs and "tips" are the same. As a volunteer organization, it is well managed, and a labor of love, not burdened by ad campaigns or employee salaries. Your contribution makes a real impact on an underfunded, under-recognized, serious childhood disease here where it is needed most. As an "orphan" disease it receives little to no funding from government or healthcare sources. Supporting Cure JM can really make an enormous impact, and for that reason, we are donors and supporters.”  Kim M.

 

To read more of our five-star reviews or provide your own review, click here:  http://greatnonprofits.org/reviews/cure-jm-foundation/

 

3 Ways to Help Cure JM This Holiday Season

 

Give the Perfect Gift: a Donation to Cure JM

The holiday season is the perfect time to show those around you how much you care, and to support Cure JM at the same time. For those who are hard to buy for, consider making a donation in honor of them or in memory of someone special as a gift this season.

 

In return, your donation will be recognized and one of the two e-cards below will be sent to the honoree acknowledging your thoughtful gesture.

 

 

Buy Holiday Cards with 30% of Proceeds Going to Cure JM

Spread the holiday spirit while raising awareness and funds for Cure JM through our NEW holiday card fundraiser. Choose from hundreds of styles that can be customized with a family photo and your own personal greeting. Best of all, 30% of all proceeds benefit Cure JM.  And, the back of each card acknowledges your support of Cure JM with our logo and website.  Click www.curejmholidaycards.com to get your holiday cards ordered now.

 

Register at iGive.com Before You Do Online Holiday Shopping

Take 2 minutes to register with iGive.com and Cure JM will receive $5…..just for registering! After your first purchase, Cure JM receives another $5.  The donations keep growing as you keep shopping.  Up to 26% of your purchase at over 900 stores (including Amazon.com) is automatically donated to Cure JM.