SEATTLE – A local couple won $6,000 in a contest sponsored by Verity CU to help find a cure for their six-year-old daughter’s rare disease.
They were awarded $1,000 for themselves and $5,000 to go to Cure JM Foundation, which provides help for patients’ families and supports research into the disease, known as juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that affects a child’s muscles and skin.
Julie and Justyn Shevlin said they are on a mission to raise money and educate other families about the disease, which has stricken their daughter Tessa. Little is known about JM or how it affects kids as they grow up. The Shevlins went through numerous doctors before Tessa was diagnosed almost two years ago.
The contest was called Cartwheel for a Cause. Participants had to submit a video featuring a cause they wanted to benefit – and a cartwheel. The video features the family’s show of support for their cause.
