Myositis Support Starts Here!
MSU is instrumental in helping to improve the lives of patients and care partners affected by the group of rare, complicated immune-mediated muscle diseases, Myositis, which may also affect the skin, heart, lungs, digestive tract, and muscles, and for some, pain.
We offer a host of live support sessions, video and audio-only, along with online support groups. We provide educational information via our “Simply Put” format and a critical emergency financial assistance program for Myositis patients. We have accomplished so much and with you on our team, we will do even more. We welcome a donation and/or volunteering your time. You can also share with your friends and family the information we provide for awareness, research, and more.
Empower Walk 2024 Update!
Mark your calendars for the annual Myositis Empower Walk on Saturday, October 19th at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST.
This year’s walk will be entirely virtual, with plenty of fun ways to engage with our sponsors and connect with us, the Landmans. But don’t worry, although we won’t be meeting up in person as in year’s past, we’ll be bringing the celebration to you in a fun and fresh way— where you can participate right in your own community!
We’re thrilled to announce that the theme for this year’s walk is the Myositis Empower Olympics! Whether you’re walking, dancing with friends and family, or hosting your very own Empower Walk, we encourage everyone to get involved. Plus, you can create an awesome team to fundraise for MSU—there are so many ways to participate and show your support!
We’re inviting you to host your very own MEW Meet-Up, showcasing the strength and unity of our global community. Whether it’s a walk or any creative activity, you can make it your own while raising awareness for myositis.
Let’s unite from every corner of the globe to make a difference. We can’t wait to see how you’ll make your MEW Meet-Up special!
Myositis Moon Walk 2024 Highlights
The Myositis Moon Walk, a collaboration between Myositis Support and Understanding (MSU) and the Myositis Moon Walk team, aims to raise awareness and education about Myositis, a rare autoimmune disease which can cause muscle weakness, inflammation, pain, and fatigue. Myositis affects people of all ages, mimicking other illnesses, making diagnosis challenging.
Join patients, caregivers, families, and friends on May 2nd & 3rd 2025, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL for the Myositis Moon Walk.
Patients and caregivers need emotional support, financial aid, and understanding. Fundraising is vital to advance research, develop effective treatments, and ultimately find a cure. The Myositis Moon Walk promotes education and support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Every Step Counts!
MSU is Seeking Passionate Volunteers!
We are seeking volunteers with special skills and experiences and from diverse backgrounds. Whether you are interested in moderating support groups, as a bookkeeper, working on administrative tasks, or project planning, or you have an interest and background in patient-centered research.
Many at-home volunteer opportunities are available RIGHT NOW as we continue to grow.
Volunteering helps us, but it also helps improve mental health. When you volunteer with MSU you are a part of a family. Submit your application today!
We are seeking volunteer Bookkeepers!
Do you believe in our mission, have time, and want to give by using your skills and experience in finance? We are looking for a self-starter who works well individually and in a team environment. All volunteer positions are virtual, you can work from home or office. We are looking for 2-3 experienced people.
Some of the duties of the MSU Bookkeeper include:
- Maintaining the general ledger
- Reconciling bank and other cash accounts
- Preparing monthly financial statements and analyses
See the full position description here and click below to apply online. We want to continue being an all-volunteer nonprofit and we can’t do it without YOU!
Living with myositis is hard enough. We are here to help with our Myositis Patient Financial Assistance Program. We cover certain emergency household expenses, medical bills, and mobility and assistive devices. The program is available to U.S. residents. See full details available in our help guide.
At MSU, we are patients and caregivers, too. We started with support, and with our support programs, you will find a family. Join us for myositis patient and caregiver groups, Zoom support, and rooms on Clubhouse. You are NOT alone in this journey.
We believe in the patient-centered research approach – putting the patient at the center of any collaboration with industry, academia, and government agencies to improve the quality of life of ALL affected by myositis. Learn more about the research we are involved in, the impact it can have, and how you can get involved.
Watch recordings of our expert-led myositis educational videos to learn more about the various types of myositis and other myositis-related topics and patient opportunities. New videos just added!
We have put together a list of trusted resources for COVID-19. Be sure to stay tuned to your local and state public health office for details in your area.
MSU's Pain Paper
The MSU pain article: “Pain profile and opioid medication use in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies” has been published in the prestigious journal, Rheumatology and MSU is proud to make the paper available to everyone at no cost. Share with your doctors. Myositis Pain is Real!
Myositis News and Updates
Upcoming Myositis Support & Events
Weekly Sunday Clubhouse Support
October 6 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm ESTMen with Myositis Clubhouse Support Room
October 7 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm ESTLadies Bingo Night
October 7 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDTMyositis Support Gets Moving on Clubhouse
October 10 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ESTWeekly Sunday Clubhouse Support
October 13 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm ESTYoung Adults Collective
October 14 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDTMyositis Cancer Support
October 16 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EDTMyositis Support Gets Moving on Clubhouse
October 17 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm ESTMyositis Empower Walk Game Night
October 17 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm EDT
Are you living with myositis?
There are many empowering opportunities for myositis patients. Get involved, advocate and educate, and be a part of traditional and unique patient-focused medical research, and more!
