LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation
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Dear ,

I have great news to share with you! On Thursday this week, Congress’ House Labor and Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Tom Cole’s (R-OK) announced a historic and major increase to Down syndrome research funding at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from $35 million in FY2017 to ~$58 million in FY2018. We are deeply grateful to Congress to have recognized the importance of Down syndrome research.

We celebrate the passion and dedicated efforts of the many self-advocates, families, researchers, and Down syndrome organizations throughout the country that have enabled this outcome. LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation (LuMind RDS) applauds the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, and their CEO Michelle Sie Whitten, for their leading role in advocacy for this extremely important development. We also thank the National Down Syndrome Society, and their CEO Sara Weir, for advocating for those with Down syndrome and their families and leading Down syndrome researchers. LuMind RDS is proud to have supported these efforts and will continue to advocate for people with Down syndrome and for the research agenda that is needed to care for them. I would also like to thank YOU and others like you who took the initiative to learn, volunteer, fundraise or donate for over a decade to advance Down syndrome research and help raise awareness in your community.

The increase in NIH funding is evidence that Congress recognizes the importance of research in Down syndrome and that these funds will be innovatively and productively used by Down syndrome research teams. It also speaks to the great impact that comes from the Down syndrome community coming together to advocate for funding for Down syndrome research. This additional NIH funding comes at a time where the status of research has never been more promising: the efforts of hundreds of researchers over the last decades, many supported by LuMind RDS, are increasingly sophisticated and are uncovering promising therapeutic targets. Also, based on the overall progress of science, there are now many novel and exciting research advances that can be applied to Down syndrome, including late-stage Alzheimer’s drug candidates, gene therapies, digital medicines and genetic and other techniques that can lead to a better understanding of the underlying conditions in Down syndrome.”

As the Down syndrome community celebrates, we commit to continue to robustly advocate for the ongoing need for research funding. LuMind RDS encourages families to get informed and rally behind research for those with Down syndrome. Remember to share the good news with your network so they can join in the celebration! Please visit our website to learn more: www.LuMindRDS.org/research-strategy and if you wish to get involved contact us at JoinOurMission@lumindrds.org

Sincerely,

HHillerstrom.PNG

Hampus Hillerstrom
President and CEO

LuMind Research Down Syndrome Foundation

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