One by One
The Myositis Association, Recipient

The Myositis Association

Columbia, Maryland

Hope beyond diagnosis

The Myositis Association (TMA) was founded in 1993 to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by myositis, a debilitating disease that causes chronic muscle inflammation. There are several types of myositis, each of which is rare and incurable. Common symptoms for people living with myositis include muscle loss, pain, fatigue, difficulty swallowing and skin rashes. Nationwide, about 75,000 families are impacted by the disease.

Mission of support, advocacy, research and education

For more than 30 years, The Myositis Association has worked to raise awareness of this little-known condition. Its efforts include advocating for increased research funding, greater access to care, better coverage for treatments, and broader knowledge and understanding. The organization educates families impacted, connects them with resources and support, funds research, and organizes an annual global patient conference.

While the organization’s staff contains just a handful of employees, the association includes about 12,000 members. Most are patients, but others are care partners or family members. In 2025, TMA grassroots volunteers across the country helped submit proclamation requests in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to recognize May as Myositis Awareness Month.

Promotional hot/cold packs provide relief and enhance visibility

During Myositis Awareness Month 2025, TMA hosted an open house featuring a doctor from Johns Hopkins University Myositis Center as a guest speaker. A one by one grant provided the organization with promotional hot/cold packs which were given to event attendees.

Kaniah Gunter, a TMA advocate diagnosed in 2007 with dermatomyositis, co-leads the TMA Women of Color Affinity Group and attended the open house. She appreciated the resources and information, and one of her favorite items she received was the branded hot/cold pack. “The gel packs are very helpful, easy to use and offer many benefits,” Gunter said. “The bright green color is so fun and beautiful. The best part that really stands out is the TMA logo. It reminds me of my myositis family, for which I’m very thankful.”

The remaining supply of hot/cold packs were handed out during MyoCon, TMA’s Global Myositis Patient Conference in Dallas, Texas. Many conversations were struck up about these promotional items. “We often say we want to demystify myositis—that’s a big part of our mission,” said Paula Eichenbrenner, executive director. “Getting the name of the disease and our logo out there is important for visibility and awareness.”

A note from Cheryl

The Myositis Association provides critical support to thousands of people impacted by this rare and difficult disease. We were proud to provide promotional hot/cold packs that offer relief and raise awareness of the organization’s impactful work. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.

For more information about The Myositis Association, please visit https://www.myositis.org/

To Top