Family Stories

Dash Addario was the kind of kid who never stopped moving. His name wasn't an accident; he was fast, energetic, and full of life. Like a bolt of lightning, he lit up every room he entered. That's why the lightning bolt is part of our logo — because that's who Dash is at his core.

In October 2025, everything changed. What started as unusual tiredness, leg pain, and a faint rash on his face quickly became something much more serious. The doctors confirmed what no parent ever wants to hear: Dash had Juvenile Dermatomyositis. The characteristic butterfly rash across his cheeks — the very symbol of this disease — had appeared on our son's face.

Within weeks, the muscle weakness progressed. Our boy who used to race everywhere was now struggling to climb stairs. Then he couldn't get up from the floor. Soon, he needed a wheelchair. For a couple of months, the child who was defined by his speed sat still. It was heartbreaking beyond words.

But our family is built on faith, and we refused to let this disease define our son. Dash began an intensive treatment regimen: daily medications, corticosteroids to fight the inflammation, methotrexate to suppress his overactive immune system, and IVIG infusions every four weeks. The treatments are tough. IVIG days are long — hours in the infusion center, watching the medicine slowly drip into his veins.

Physical therapy became a daily practice. Some days, the exercises bring heartache. Other days, they bring breakthrough moments that make the whole family cheer. Every small gain — lifting his arm a little higher, taking a few more steps — is a victory worth celebrating.

Through it all, Dash has shown incredible courage. He faces his treatments with bravery that puts adults to shame. He smiles through the hard days. He encourages other kids in the waiting room. He is, in every way, the lightning bolt that inspired this organization.

Dash's journey is far from over. JDM is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be setbacks and victories, hard days and hopeful ones. But with the support of our five pillars — Faith, Family, Fitness, Fellowship, and Finances — we are confident that Dash will come through this stronger than ever.

And in the meantime, we fight. Not just for Dash, but for every child who has heard the words “Juvenile Dermatomyositis.” Cure JDM exists because we believe that no family should face this alone — and because we believe, with everything we are, that a cure is possible.