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.

Give Today!
Support starts here at MSU

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 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!

COVID-19 and Myositis Resources

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

The Power of Movement

At Kourage Health, we believe that movement is medicine. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life and well-being of our patients through the power of medical exercise and our unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of patient care. We aim to empower individuals with serious health conditions to take active steps toward a renewed life. Our programs are [...]

Fatigue Management Part 1-Mastering Fatigue Pacing for Balanced Life

Watch Part 1 of an exclusive session tailored for myositis patients! Dive into the crucial topic of fatigue management with our expert speaker, Pamela Rose. Discover the keys to effective energy management and conquer fatigue with practical strategies. Learn the art of pacing for a balanced and fulfilling life, gaining invaluable insights to boost your well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity [...]

Breaking Down Dysphasia

Watch the webinar "Breaking Down Dysphagia". Learn about how swallowing changes, associated health concerns, and how to advocate for quality of life. -️ Hosted by Speech Swallowing and Neurological Rehabilitation (SSNR), a private practice in Tyler, Texas, led by Meaghan Arnold, a dedicated medical speech-language pathologist and owner of SSNR. With a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of [...]

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

Like and Follow Myositis Support and Understanding (MSU)
on our social networks to engage with us and the myositis community.

© 2024 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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