The Global Empowered Myositis MCTD Survivors (GEMMS) is a subgroup under The Rheumatology Initiative (TRI). The group was created on the 5th of January 2016 by Dr Dzifa Dey. The acronym GEMMS  means precious stone, something rare and of great value. We are empowered because we always desire to learn more and have valuable information about our conditions that makes us survivors.

The group is made up if individuals living with very rare and not so common types of autoimmune diseases. MYOSITIS, MIXED CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE, NARCOLEPSY, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS to name a few. Our Symbol is a DragonFly.

Dragonflies have some challenges with walking despite having six legs. It’s almost like they have health problems and struggles that hinder their movement, just like an MTCD or Myositis sufferer. However, despite the "disability ", dragonflies are one of the fastest flying insects in the world. Their swift and fast movements during flight is what MCTD and Myositis sufferers hope to achieve (ease of movement) with the help of medication, treatment and physical therapy

Our Awareness month is the month of March and We hope to be able to create as much awareness as possible with your help.

Visit our Facebook page to learn more: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064473561511