Hi! My name is Alissa. I am 3 years old, from Dallas Texas. I was diagnosed at age 2 with JDM. Before being diagnosed, I started getting muscle weakness in my legs. I went to several doctors around town that could not find anything wrong with me. I was even treated for allergies for my rash on my face. Then I got so week I could hardly walk, sit up, and I had trouble swallowing. So, I was finally taken to Childrens Hospital where finally someone knew about this disease. I was in the hospital for a while and on a feeding tube for several months. I still make weekend visits to the hospital about once a month for IV treatments. You will find me walking the halls of the hospital in my ballerina tutu and wearing my princess slippers and Crown. I love to play dress up, dance, paint and color. My favorite movies are ones with cute Aliens. E T, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Men in Black.Please visit my journal for more information or to leave me a message www.caringbridge.org/visit/alissamichelle.