Myositis Support Starts Here!

At Myositis Support and Understanding (MSU), for the last 10 years we have been dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of patients and care partners affected by the rare and complex group of immune-mediated muscle diseases known as myositis. This condition can have far-reaching effects, impacting not only the muscles but also the skin, heart, lungs, and digestive tract, often accompanied by significant pain.

Our organization offers a wide range of resources designed to support our community. We provide live support sessions, as well as video and audio-only formats, along with online support groups that foster connection and understanding. We strive to make critical information accessible to all. Additionally, our Financial Assistance Program is vital for myositis patients facing unexpected challenges.

We are proud of what we have achieved together, but with your involvement, we can amplify our efforts even further. We invite you to consider making a donation to support our mission. Sharing our resources with your friends and family can also make a significant difference in our fight for awareness, understanding and research.

Together, we can empower our community and drive meaningful change for those affected by myositis. Thank you for being part of this vital journey with us and here is to the next 10 years and all we can accomplish!

Give Today!

Meet Elisa Glass, MSU's First Ever Executive Director!

Celebrating 10 Years of Empowerment at Myositis Support and Understanding

Myositis Support and Understanding (MSU) marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary and welcomes Elisa Glass as its first Executive Director. This new leadership reflects our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of Myositis patients and their care partners, showcasing a decade of growth and dedication in our mission.

Founded by Jerry Williams in 2015, MSU has continuously focused on empowering the Myositis community through direct support, advocacy, and impactful research. Elisa brings invaluable expertise and a personal connection to her role, fueled by her journey as a Dermatomyositis patient. Her background in public health and advocacy positions her perfectly to elevate MSU’s mission as we enter our next chapter.

With exciting initiatives on the horizon, including a Myositis educational summit and a return of the Myositis Moon Walk, MSU is poised to deepen its financial assistance programs and amplify legislative advocacy efforts. Our commitment remains steadfast: ensuring that every Myositis patient feels seen, heard, and supported.

As we celebrate this remarkable journey, we look forward to continuing our work with passion and purpose, ensuring no one navigates Myositis alone. Join us in this transformative moment, and stay tuned for what’s next at MSU!

Check Out MSU's New Online Store!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Myositis Support & Understanding online retail store!

As an all-volunteer non-profit organization, we are passionate about supporting our myositis community. Our new store features thoughtfully curated products designed to inspire hope, raise awareness, and empower patients, care partners, and advocates.

Every purchase you make goes directly back into our community, helping us fund vital resources and initiatives for those affected by Myositis.

We invite you to explore our collections and find meaningful items that celebrate resilience and connection. Your support truly makes a difference!

Click the link below to check out our store and join us in making a positive impact. Thank you for being part of our journey! Together, we can spread hope and understanding.

#MSUStore #MyositisSupport #MSU #NonProfit #ShopForACause #CommunityCare

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!

MSU is seeking a volunteer bookkeeper

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!

Apply to Volunteer
Patient Financial Assistance

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.

Get Support

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.

Patient-Centered Research

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.

Myositis Video Library

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!

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

Meet Elisa Glass: MSU’s First Executive Director – Vision & Journey

Catch the Replay: Meet Elisa Glass: MSU's First Executive Director - Vision & Journey In this special webinar, we introduce Elisa Glass, the first-ever Executive Director of Myositis Support & Understanding (MSU). Join us as Elisa shares her journey, what inspired her to take on this pivotal role, and her vision for the future of our organization. During this engaging [...]

Catch the Replay: “Your Health, Your Voice: Building a Lifesaving Medical Binder” with the Three Myositis Musketeers!

Catch the Replay: “Your Health, Your Voice: Building a Lifesaving Medical Binder” with the Three Myositis Musketeers! We invite you to watch the recording of this essential webinar hosted by Myositis Support and Understanding (MSU). Join Jessica Taylor, Benita Moyers, and Jason Hopauf—known as the “Three Myositis Musketeers”—as they walk you through the crucial steps of preparing for medical appointments [...]

Shifting Your Mindset Volume 4

Shifting Your Mindset Volume 4 of Our New 7-Part Series: A Living Fully with Myositis: MSU’s #MyositisLife Initiative Series Watch volume 4 of our empowering Shifting Your Mindset series, designed specifically for those living with Myositis. Over the next seven months, we will embark on a transformative journey together! Topic: "Soothe and calm your nervous system" Learn to nurture yourself [...]

Upcoming Myositis Support & Events

Are you living with myositis?

Patient Opportunities

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!

MSU Sponsors

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© 2025 Myositis Support and Understanding Association (MSU). All rights reserved. | View our Privacy Policy, Terms, and Non-Discrimination policy. MSU is a charitable organization with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Federal ID #47-4570748.

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