Our little warrior Harry was diagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) in October 2020. JDM is a rare autoimmune condition, which affects his muscles and skin.  Harry’s diagnosis in October came after a couple of months of Harry feeling under the weather, with increasing tiredness and a small rash on his face. JDM can be difficult to diagnose but we were fortunate enough to be seen by a general paediatrician who had treated one other case. Harry was seen by Great Ormond Street within days and admitted to the hospital and was treated there for 4 weeks, enduring multiple test to confirm the diagnosis, treatment and an intensive physiotherapy rehabilitation to repair the damage to his muscles. Harry was remarkable
throughout, we are so proud of how brave and determined he has been to get better. Harry’s condition cannot be cured, the best outcome is that he will go in to remission within the next 2-3 years without any further flares but the future is uncertain.

In the picture with Harry is our very own superhero Auntie
Betty (Beck). Beck and Harry made a promise together to “Smash this disease in its horrible face!” Always true to her word Beck and her superhero friends from Critical Care at the Royal Stoke University hospital are raising money for much needed research in to JDM and have created the Half for Harry Challenge.

Beck, Charlotte, Charlene, Prab, Emily, Maria and Fliss will be running the Stafford Half Marathon to raise money for Remission UK. Please donate if you can to this great cause.

Thank you ladies, we are humbled and forever grateful for
all you are doing for our Harry Dean x