Twelve more vendors are participating in Christmas Shop for Cure JM this year than in 2015. There will be 52 vendors in the Sacred Heart gym and hallways, 135 N. Harrison St., Warsaw, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 5. These are extended hours compared to previous years. This year’s goal is to raise over $20,000 for Cure JM. Organizer Kristine Alderfer said there will be a wide variety of vendors with items including bath and body products, wood products, hair accessories, kitchen items, olive oils and spices, clothing, jewelry, essential oils, gourmet chocolates and more. There is no entrance fee for the shopping experience. The staffed kids zone will have a small cost. Food for purchase will include hot dogs, coffee, doughnuts, muffins, sloppy joes, yogurt, fruit and chips. Door prizes will be given out, and there will be raffle baskets. People also can donate directly to Cure JM, and all vendors are donating a percentage of their profits to Cure JM. Katherine Alderfer, the daughter of Kristine and Alan Alderfer, was diagnosed with Juvenile Myositis 6-1/2 years ago and is still battling the rare and incurable disease. It affects only 2 out of a million children. She goes to Riley Hospital for Children where she receives nine-hour infusions to help her manage the disease. These treatments sometimes cause terrible side effects that cause Katherine to miss school and feel horrible, according to Kristine. Her disease is life-threatening and requires constant monitoring. “Katherine lives a pretty normal life, for a child with a rare disease, and doesn’t let anything get her down. We hope that people will come out in support of her and all the other children who battle this disease,” Kristine said. People can learn more about Juvenile Dermatomyositis at www.curejm.org.
