I was diagnosed at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital on my 16th birthday in 1996. I still have an active case of Juvenile Dermatomyositis – I’ve never been in ‘remission’. Even though I was sick, I managed to graduate at the top of my class in high school, and I got a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee. I now have a college degree in Accounting, and a wonderful job that allows me to work from home. As you can see from the picture, I recently got married. My husband, Gary, is extremely supportive along with the rest of my family. I wouldn’t have made it without them. The past 9 years have not been easy, but I am a lot stronger mentally and emotionally that I ever would have been. I’ve never met anyone with JM, so this site is a Godsend – thank you!