With the birth of each of our children, my husband would sigh and say “Remember, each ‘uneventful’ birth is a miracle.” He is so right, isn’t he? Anything can change in an instant, and only a slight change in genetic makeup during development can alter how a child will grow, learn, and explore his or her world outside the womb. I remember my breath tightening as soon as the ultrasound probe touched my belly, hoping that everything was looking fine. That exhale with the words “looking good!” is something I tried never to take for granted, and though they may drive me crazy some days, my kids are developing typically.

For many families in our area, however, that just isn’t the case. Many children are born with developmental delays or birth abnormalities that cannot be explained immediately, if at all. Though these children are just as beautiful and wonderful as any typically developing child, their parents have significantly more questions that can’t always be answered. I can’t imagine the fear they must feel. HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is trying to answer these questions with cutting-edge research and the best scientific minds of our time. HudsonAlpha leads projects in childhood genomic disorders, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private philanthropy. The projects work to diagnose children with unexplained developmental delays through the use of genomic sequencing. HudsonAlpha has already found many answers to childhood genetic disorders, and I am confident they will continue to find more answers, and therefore give hope. I have never seen a place that so brilliantly combines science and a selfless serving of others, and therefore Bill and I try to get involved in any way we can.

So, let’s run toward furthering research, shall we? On Tuesday, April 7th, please join your community in the Double Helix Dash, one of the most unique races ever! And… yes I’m running too! This artsy gal is training to dash to the finish! All of the proceeds raised for this event go toward funding childhood genetic research projects at HudsonAlpha. Click the link below to register and learn more about the event. Please, bring your children! There is a 1-mile fun run option, or they can come and watch Mom and Dad give of their time to help other children. If you are a person who only runs when chased, that’s ok!! You can still register and attend the event if you’d like, or make a donation to help further the cause. Any amount is greatly appreciated. 

If you have questions, or want to learn more about HudsonAlpha, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I learn something new every time I set foot on that campus, and Bill has to nudge me and say “close your mouth, get over the shock.” It’s always a fascinating and uplifting experience, so if you can’t join me for the Double Helix Dash, let’s get involved another way. 

The HudsonAlpha Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the supporting entity for the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Tax-deductible contributions to the foundation are for the sole purpose of advancing the mission of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Tax identification #27-2320591