In 2007, after more than a year of searching for answers to her daughter Flora’s declining health, Suzanne’s life was altered forever when Flora was diagnosed with JDM. Since then, as part of Suzanne’s own healing process, she has turned her journey as a parent dealing with JM into poetry, winning grants and publishing much of her work.
She also leads support groups for parents whose children have JM and other chronic illnesses. She has started a writing workshop for parents of kids with chronic illness at Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH), where her daughter is treated, and in 2010 was asked to join the Family Advisory Council at SCH.
Suzanne believes that bringing people together for education and support, raising awareness of JM and the effects of chronic illness on families, is now her life’s mission. To that end, she continues to learn, write and teach about JM and other chronic illnesses. She lives with her husband, John, Flora, a dog and cat, in Seattle.
Suzanne has been active in Cure JM for many years, participating in dozens of fundraisers and serving as Director of the Family Support Network, Family Support Representative for International Families, President of the Pacific Northwest Chapter, member of the Leadership Council, member of the Board of Directors, and member of Cure JM’s Research Committee.