2026 Giving Challenge
From noon to noon April 15-16, TMA is participating in The Giving Challenge! Please consider supporting our mission to improve the lives of persons affected by myositis, fund innovative research, and increase myositis awareness and advocacy. Our programs and services provide information, support, advocacy, and research for the myositis community. Please share this page to raise awareness of myositis and its impact on families!
The term “myositis” is used to refer to a disease involving chronic inflammation of the muscles, often occurring together with other symptoms. This condition is also known as idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
Inflammatory myopathies are autoimmune diseases, meaning the body’s immune system, which normally fights infections and viruses, is misdirected and begins to attack the body’s own normal, healthy tissue. Inflammatory myopathies are rare diseases. All forms combined affect an estimated over 75,000 people in the United States.
Myositis usually begins gradually, but can take a variety of forms. Sometimes the first sign is an unusual rash. Sometimes patients may start to trip or fall more frequently. Other signs include muscle weakness and pain, intense fatigue, and trouble climbing stairs or reaching over the head. Frequently, patients explain these symptoms away as signs of “getting old.” But myositis is a very real and often serious condition that needs to be taken seriously.
The aim of TMA’s programs and services is to provide information, support, advocacy, connectivity, and research for those concerned about myositis.
TMA’s Annual Patient Conference brings together myositis patients with health professionals who specialize in myositis and related fields. This event features a panel of medical experts and sessions on treatments, promising research, coping strategies, exercise techniques, and more.
TMA Publications —both in print and electronic—present information on diagnosis, treatments, research news, and other relevant topics that help patients and caregivers learn what they need to address their individual health care concerns.
Support Groups and Affinity Groups offer members the chance to share their feelings and discuss their concerns with people in similar situations. These groups encourage an atmosphere of communication and compassion.
While we work to fund research for a cure, our goal is to make sure that everyone living with or supporting someone living with myositis has the resources they need and knows they are not alone. Thank you for supporting TMA!
From April 15 at 12 PM ET through 12 PM ET on April 16, you can Donate here!
