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Rare Across America 2025 Recap
In August, seven CMD advocates from Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York joined Rare Across America, connecting with Members of Congress to spotlight critical issues affecting the rare disease community. Discussions focused on restoring the Rare Pediatric Disease PRV Program, improving Medicaid access for kids needing out-of-state care, and protecting NIH and FDA research funding. Advocates shared personal stories and called for bipartisan support to ensure progress in treatment dev
Lani Knutson
Sep 92 min read


Stronger Together: Highlights from 2025 SciFam
Over 340 attendees gathered in Philadelphia for the 2025 Scientific & Family Conference, uniting families, clinicians, and researchers to share stories, advance care, and spark new collaborations. Highlights included 60 sessions, Kids Camp, young adult meetups, and the Scientific Symposium.
James Immekus
Sep 84 min read


Cure CMD’s Kelly Berger Spotlighted by University of Kentucky for Her Advocacy in Rare Disease and Disability Communities
Cure CMD’s Community Engagement Manager and tireless advocate for the rare disease and disability communities, was recently featured by her Alma mater's campus magazine, the University of Kentucky’s UKNow.
James Immekus
Apr 291 min read


Make Your Voice Heard - Vote!
One of the most important ways you can advocate is to vote.
Lani Knutson, Advocacy Team Leader
Aug 7, 20242 min read


Youth Advocate Attends First Virtual Hill Day
I had the opportunity to kick off my rare advocacy journey and experience my first Capitol Hill Day.
Kassidy C.
Jun 27, 20243 min read


My Rare Advocacy Journey
My rare disease advocacy journey started later in life. Like many, I had always felt too overwhelmed and unsure of how to start and was...
Kelly Berger
Mar 26, 20245 min read


Uncharted Territory
Like most families with a high school junior, we have begun the college discussion at our house. Higher ed is not uncharted territory for...
Lani Knutson, Advocacy Team Leader
Feb 4, 20242 min read


CMD Community Members Fan Out to Spread Awareness
Two recent sporting events supporting CMD awareness and community.
Cure CMD
Jul 31, 20231 min read


Video Game Livestream and Fundraiser
Check out Community Member Kierra Sunris in her nightly Twitch livestream throughout July!
Cure CMD
Jul 31, 20231 min read


Cure CMD Releases New Film About the CMD Experience
Cure CMD's film, The Tenacity of Hope, features the raw and real experiences of those living with congenital muscular dystrophy.
Rachel Alvarez
Jun 13, 20232 min read


Before and After I was Diagnosed: One Breath at a Time
My name is Stephanie Chicas. I am 29 years old. This is the story of how recurrent lung infections and one traumatic day prompted me to...
Cure CMD
Feb 7, 20234 min read


FDA Patient-Focused Drug Development Initiative: Affected Community Testimonials at 2022 SciFam
Progress toward treatments for CMD is a battle fought on several fronts. Clinicians work to improve diagnostics, care, and understand the...
Rachel Alvarez
Apr 5, 20222 min read


So You’re Telling Me There’s A Chance
Happy Rare Disease Day! Started in 2008, Rare Disease Day is an international event focused on bringing awareness to the more than 7,000...
Lani Knutson, Advocacy Team Leader
Feb 27, 20221 min read


Rare Disease Day Reflections: My Rare Disease Journey
Executive Director Rachel Alvarez shares a deep dive into her history as a rare disease patient, and what it means to lead Cure CMD.
Rachel Alvarez
Feb 24, 202211 min read


Adrenaline Hangover
When Michael woke up with a fever and sore throat last Monday, I assumed it was strep throat. This kid can get strep just by thinking...
Lani Knutson, Advocacy Team Leader
Oct 18, 20214 min read


How Much? How Little?
Each fall, I email my sons’ teachers to give an overview of their Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD). I explain the differences they can...
Lani Knutson, Advocacy Team Leader
Sep 13, 20213 min read


Calling All Artists: Cure CMD’s Creative Contest for Affected Individuals
Open to all individuals affected by a neuromuscular condition age 6 and older, the Creative Contest seeks to celebrate all the painty,...
Terry Selucky
Sep 3, 20211 min read


Liam: A Rare College Experience Featured On The Disorder Channel
We are thrilled to announce that the 2019 Cure CMD-produced documentary, Liam: A Rare College Experience, is now streaming on The...
Terry Selucky
Sep 3, 20211 min read


I Am No Sob Story
Living with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD) can sometimes feel like a battle with an invincible enemy that's inside of me all the...
Cure CMD
May 15, 20213 min read


That Defining Moment by Simon Cantos
Everyone has a defining moment in their lives that shapes their entire future. For me, that moment came when I was about 6 years old. I...
Cure CMD
May 11, 20213 min read
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