Once Upon A Gene

Join Us for The Global Genes Week In Rare

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 237 Join Us for The Global Genes Week In Rare The 2024 Global Genes Week in RARE is happening in Kansas City, MO from September 25-28th. This is a powerhouse week packed with three incredible advocacy events that you can't miss— the Rare Equity Forum, the Rare Advocacy Summit and the Rare Champions of Hope Awards ceremony. Why attend? This will be four days of community, capacity building, empowering rare disease patients, advocates and caregivers, and helps organizati...

Rare Disease Research - Insights from Charles River Labs with Roxana Redis and David Fischer

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 236 Rare Disease Research - Insights from Charles River Labs with Roxana Redis and David Fischer Charles River Labs is a rare disease research and drug development powerhouse and their work leads to life-changing treatments. I'm joined by Roxana Redis and David Fischer to talk about Charles River Labs’ support, rare disease research and how patient advocacy organizations can team up with them to make a big impact. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What does Charles River Labs do? We ...

Rare Connections in NMOSD (Neuromyelitis Optics) - Finding Strength in Community and the Power in Asking for Help with Craig Klein

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 235 Rare Connections in NMOSD (Neuromyelitis Optics) - Finding Strength in Community and the Power in Asking for Help with Craig Klein My guest, Craig Klein, has been living with Neuromyelitis Optics Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) for 8 years. He shares his challenges, strengths and about his journey of resilience. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What has your diagnostic journey been like? The first few years were difficult. In 2015, I began a transition from working at a gym, running m...

Chasing Glimmers - Illuminating Hope and Lessons in the Rare Disease Journey - Finding Glimmers for a Happier, Healthier Life with Katie Lloyd

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 234 Chasing Glimmers - Illuminating Hope and Lessons in the Rare Disease Journey - Finding Glimmers for a Happier, Healthier Life with Katie Lloyd This new series, Chasing Glimmers, is all about finding the small, hopeful moments that shine through the darkest of times. Like you, Katie and I know how challenging the rare disease journey can be, but we also believe in the incredible power of connection, bravery and positivity. We'll share inspiring stories from the comm...

Are You Worried About Your Baby's Development - Enroll in Project FIND-OUT - You May Qualify for Free Whole Genome Sequencing

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 233 Are You Worried About Your Baby's Development - Enroll in Project FIND-OUT - You May Qualify for Free Whole Genome Sequencing LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED Project Findout https://projectfindout.org/ CONNECT WITH EFFIE PARKS Website https://effieparks.com/ Twitter https://twitter.com/OnceUponAGene Instagram https://www.instagram.com/onceuponagene.podcast/?hl=en Built Ford Tough Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1877643259173346/

Understanding Genetic Counseling - Essential Insights for Parents – Navigating Appointments, Referrals, Testing, and Insurance with Expert Abby Turnwald MS CGC

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 232 Understanding Genetic Counseling - Essential Insights for Parents – Navigating Appointments, Referrals, Testing, and Insurance with Expert Abby Turnwald MS CGC Abby Turnwald is a genetic counselor here to talk about genetic testing and the crucial role genetic counselors play in guiding families through the complexity of genetic testing and understanding the results. We'll discuss what parents can expect for their first appointment, the importance of seeking a refe...

The Power of Genetic Diagnosis - More Than Just a Label

Balancing Rare Disease Advocacy and Family - Navigating the Complexities and Embracing Imperfections with Nikki Stusick

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 230 Balancing Rare Disease Advocacy and Family - Navigating the Complexities and Embracing Imperfections with Nikki Stusick Nikki Stusick is the mom of a child with an initial VUS diagnosis and then a different pathogenic diagnosis. We talk about the complexities of balancing advocacy work, family life, when to choose one over the other and when to take a break. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you tell us about yourself and your diagnostic journey? I am a mom of three children ...

Uniting Strengths - Rare Disease Collaboration on a Shared Patient Registry Through Sanford Cords with Cure Mito and Hope for PDCD Leaders Frances Muenzer Pimentel and Sophia Zilber

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 229 Uniting Strengths - Rare Disease Collaboration on a Shared Patient Registry Through Sanford Cords with Cure Mito and Hope for PDCD Leaders Frances Muenzer Pimentel and Sophia Zilber Frances Muenzer Pimentel and Sophia Zilber have united the Hope for PDCD Foundation and the Cure Mito Foundation to launch a global joint registry and they're here to share about the collaboration. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What is a registry and why does a patient group need to have one? A re...

Episode 228 - Strength In Unity - The Power of Consolidated Rare Disease Advocacy, Collaborative Breakthroughs, and the Every Cure Initiative with Dr. David Fajgenbaum

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 228 Strength In Unity - The Power of Consolidated Rare Disease Advocacy, Collaborative Breathroughs, and the Every Cure Initiative with Dr. David Fajgenbaum Dr. David Fajgenbaum is is a groundbreaking physician-scientist, disease hunter, speaker, and national bestselling author of Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope Into Action. He joins me to discuss the critical role of unity among our rare disease patient advocacy organizations and why it's important to st...

Bringing Balance Back to the Language of Disability from The Special Needs Mom Podcast with Kara Ryska

Connect with Kara, host of The Special Needs Mom Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespecialneedsmompodcast/ Website: https://www.kararyska.com/ Coaching Opportunities Pathway to Peace {Group Coaching Program}: Schedule a Consult or Contact Me Join The Special Needs Mom Podcast Community FaceBook Group!! Click here to Request to Join

From Classrooms to Communities - Parents Visionary Journey in Education, Living, and Advocacy for Inclusion and Epilepsy Funding with Jillian and Scott Copeland

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 226 From Classrooms to Communities - Parents Visionary Journey in Education, Living, and Advocacy for Inclusion and Epilepsy Funding with Jillian and Scott Copeland Jillian and Scott Copeland are husband and wife, advocates and pioneers who have transformed their personal journey of having a child diagnosed with epilepsy. They have taken off on a quest to create supportive and inclusive environments for kids with disabilities and founded a school, an inclusive living c...

The Bravery of the Brokenhearted - A Big Brothers Perspective on Grief From the Loss of a Sibling with Sanfilippo Syndrome with Noah Siedman

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 225 The Bravery of the Brokenhearted - A Big Brothers Perspective on Grief From the Loss of a Sibling with Sanfilippo Syndrome with Noah Siedman Noah Siedman was a big brother to Ben who had Sanfilippo Syndrome, a devastating disease that leads to childhood dementia and premature death. He joins me to talk about his sibling experience and dealing with grief. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS As a sibling under potential pressure to not be a burden, do you still carry those feelings e...

The Complicated World of ICD10 Codes with CEO and Co-Founder of SLC6A1 Connect - Amber Freed

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 224 The Complicated World of ICD10 Codes with CEO and Co-Founder of SLC6A1 Connect - Amber Freed Advocate, rare mom and Founder of SLC6A1 Connect, Amber Freed joins me to talk about ICD-10 codes— the frustrations, the battles, and the common-sense changes we're fighting for in the rare disease community that are pivotal to research, recognition and treatment of so many rare diseases. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What are ICD-10 codes? In 1999, the ICD-10 code was developed by th...

Rare Epilepsy Network with Ilene Penn Miller and Christina Sanlnocencio

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 223 Rare Epilepsy Network with Ilene Penn Miller and Christina Sanlnocencio Ilene Miller and Christina SanInocencio are advocates doing groundbreaking work at the Rare Epilepsy Network (REN), a volunteer network of epilepsy organizations banding together, sharing research efforts, and improving the lives of rare epilepsy patients and families. They're here to share about the inception and mission of REN and the resources available through membership. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS...

Krabbe Disease with Kasey Feldt

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 222 Krabbe Disease with Kasey Feldt Kasey Feldt is the mom of two- one year old Lukas and Dawson, who passed away from Krabbe disease. Kasey has become a passionate and unstoppable advocate, not only advocating for Krabbe disease, but also the newborn screening system so kids have a better chance at early detection. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you tell us about yourself and your rare disease journey? My son Dawson was diagnosed with Krabbe disease. He was born a healthy bab...

BeginNGS - Newborn Genomic Sequencing to End the Diagnostic Odyssey with Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, Wendy Erler and Tom DeFay

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 221 BeginNGS - Newborn Genomic Sequencing to End the Diagnostic Odyssey with Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, Wendy Erler and Tom DeFay I'm joined by Dr. Stephen Kingsmore, Wendy Erler and Tom DeFay to discuss BeginNGS, a ground-breaking initiative that stands at the forefront of genetic sequencing and rare disease diagnosis. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What led to the creation of BeginNGS? Rare genetic diseases are an immense health ecosystem challenge- receiving a timely diagnosis. On ...

A Rare Collection - From Financial Strain to Supportive Gain - A Call For Action

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 220 A Rare Collection - From Financial Strain to Supportive Gain - A Call For Action There's power in storytelling- for the listener and the storyteller. A Rare Collection is a monthly series featuring people from the rare disease community, sharing a story with a common theme. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Katie Scheid The beginning of my care-giving journey was filled with trauma, disbelief and a complete re-shaping of the life I knew. My daughter Millie is three and a half yea...

Genomics England Clinical Lead for Genetic Counseling - Amanda Pichini

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 219 Genomics England Clinical Lead for Genetic Counseling - Amanda Pichini Amanda Pichini is a genetic counselor from Genomics England, here to share their initiatives and mission. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What is your role at Genomics England and how did your career develop? I work at Genomics England as the Director of Clinical Implementation and I'm responsible for the strategic clinical leadership for our products and services, ensuring research, diagnostics and clinical...

James G Robinson - More Than We Expected Author - Five Years with a Remarkable Child

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 218 James G Robinson - More Than We Expected Author - Five Years with a Remarkable Child James Robinson is a dad and the author of More Than We Expected: Five Years With a Remarkable Child, a deeply moving book and a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the importance of community and the boundless love that families share in the face of adversity. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you tell us about your family and what inspired your book? My wife and I have three so...

More of Everything - How I Became a Better Parent to My Child With Extreme Special Needs By Lifting My Emotional Burdens With SYNGAP1 Mom - Janie Reade

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 184 More of Everything - How I Became a Better Parent to My Child With Extreme Special Needs By Lifting My Emotional Burdens With SYNGAP1 Mom - Janie Reade Janie Reade is an author and mom to three adult sons, one with a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the SYNGAP1 gene. We'll talk about her unique perspective as a parent and also about her book, More of Everything: How I Became a Better Parent to My Child with Extreme Special Needs by Lifting...

Uniting Science and Hope - COMBINEDBrain and it's Quest to Transform Research and Treatment for Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Terry Jo Bichell

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 217 Uniting Science and Hope - COMBINEDBrain and its Quest to Transform Research and Treatment for Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders with Terry Jo Bichell Terry Jo Bichell is a rare mom, neuroscientist and the founder of COMBINEDBrain, a nonprofit organization revolutionizing the approach to clinical treatments for rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders by pooling efforts, studies and data. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you share a little bit about yourself and how...

A Rare Collection - Five Advocacy Aces Share Their Conference Commandments

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 201 A Rare Collection - Five Advocacy Aces Share Their Conference Commandments EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Melissa Hioco, STXBP1 DO: Offer a family hospitality room where parents can see the broadcast and stay involved in the conference. Provide sibling spaces and make them feel special. Spend the extra money to provide a buffet dinner and a kid's buffet with kid-friendly food. Ask for discounts on everything. Find a local AV company who will work within your budget. Create spo...

Soundtrack of Silence - Love, Loss, and a Playlist for Life with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) Patient Advocate - Matt Hay

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 216 Soundtrack of Silence - Love, Loss, and a Playlist for Life with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) Patient Advocate - Matt Hay Matt Hay has a disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and how he has more than overcome the challenges that came with it— he has thrived because of it. He is the author of a new book, Soundtrack of Silence: Love, Loss, and a Playlist for Life. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you talk about the inspiration for your book? NF2 causes tumors to gro...

Beyond the Crossroads- Rebuilding and Reclaiming Identity After Sacrificing Careers for Caregiving with Emily Crawford

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 215 Beyond the Crossroads- Rebuilding and Reclaiming Identity After Sacrificing Careers for Caregiving with Emily Crawford Emily Crawford left her lifelong dream job of being a teacher to surrender to the demands of care-giving. She joins me to discuss identity loss and metamorphosis after becoming a parent to a medically complex child. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you tell us about your family? I have four children— Chloe is my middle child. The first eight years of Chloe's...

A Courageous Gift - The Power of Brain and Tissue Donation in Rare Disease Research with Anne Rugari

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 214 A Courageous Gift - The Power of Brain and Tissue Donation in Rare Disease Research with Anne Rugari Anne Rugari is an advocating powerhouse, an author of two children's books, a mom, and two of her children have passed away from Krabbe disease. She joins us to share her personal story and also share her knowledge about tissue and organ donation. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Can you share how you became part of the rare disease world? In 1986, my second child Nick received a...

Finding Strength In Every Step

Pain Points on the Disorder Channel with Daniel DeFabio and Bo Bigelow -This Festivus, Let the Airing of Grievances Begin

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 212 Special pop up episode from our friends Daniel DeFabio and Bo Bigelow from the Disorder Channel - Pain Points https://www.rarediseasefilmfestival.com/ www.thedisordercollection.com https://www.facebook.com/rarediseasefilmfestival https://www.instagram.com/disorderrarediseasefilms/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/disorder-the-rare-disease-film-festival/ DISORDER: The Rare Disease Film Festival

The Juggle is Real - Navigating Parenthood and Rare Disease Leadership with Kim Nye and Mike Graglia

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 211 The Juggle is Real - Navigating Parenthood and Rare Disease Leadership with Kim Nye and Mike Graglia Rare disease parents and front line advocates, Kim Nye and Mike Graglia, join this episode for a discussion about the unseen struggles of rare disease parenthood and the delicate balance of operating an advocacy organization. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Kim, can you share your perspective on how much work it is to lead an advocacy organization and the impact it has on balanc...

GeneDX - A Genetic Diagnosis Matters with Gay Grossman and Paul Kruszka

ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 210 GeneDX - A Genetic Diagnosis Matters with Gay Grossman and Paul Kruszka If you're passionate about the evolving landscape of genetic testing, this episode is for you. Gay Grossman, Patient Advocacy & Engagement Lead, and Paul Kruszka, Chief Medical Officer, are a wealth of knowledge and bring so much experience, shedding light on the crucial work being done at GeneDX. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS What is the importance and benefits of genetic testing? The most obvious be...