News and Events :: DSRTF News

Spring 2006 Newsletter

Now's the time to reenergize Down syndrome research . . . 
Be a part of the breakthrough!!! 

DSRTF's New Executive Director

DSRTF would like to introduce you to the organization's new Executive Director- Na'eem Salaam. Na'eem is excited about DSRTF's mission to provide more opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome by supporting research that will lead to treatments to improve cognition and prevent early cognitive decline.

Na'eem's degree in Human Biology from Stanford University has enabled him to quickly understand the potential of the exciting research that DSRTF is currently funding. "The ability to apply recent advances as well as tools and techniques from the human genome project towards the goal of improving cognition in DS opens up new and very promising paths for Trisomy 21 research," observed Na'eem after visiting labs at the Stanford Center for Down Syndrome Research and Treatment.

Na'eem comes to us with a variety of experience from within the nonprofit sector. He held director positions for programs at San Francisco's Glide Foundation, North Carolina's TROSA Incorporated and the San Francisco-based Inclusion Challenge Project. Na'eem holds an MBA from Duke University with a concentration in Finance and Nonprofit Management.

"It is a credit to past leadership and dedicated volunteers that DSRTF has accomplished so much in a short period of time. I'm excited to be part of the team and to extend the momentum and awareness of DSRTF so that the promising work can move at an accelerated pace."

DSRTF is happy to have you on board, Na'eem!!!  

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From Director to Board Member

DSRTF is pleased that former Executive Director, Hollye Doane will continue to shape the future of the Foundation as she transitions to a seat on DSRTF's Board of Directors. Hollye's leadership of the fledging organization established the Foundation on a national scale and produced the momentum that the organization is currently building upon. In particular, Hollye helped to create DSRTF's web presence, organized the Foundation's major fundraising events, and built relationships with local and federal government entities. Hollye's presence on the Board of Directors will ensure that her vision and ideas will continue to benefit DSRTF.

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DSRTF Details Progress in Trisomy 21 Cognition Research Studies to the Greater Philadelphia Area  

In March of this year, DSRTF participated in a number of wonderful events organized and hosted by Philadelphia-based organizations interested in Trisomy 21 research initiatives. Prior to a March 10th Down syndrome research presentation and cocktail reception, DSRTF investigator and guest of honor Dr. William Mobley , Chief of Stanford University's Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences and the Director of Stanford's Center for Research and Treatment of Down Syndrome, spent a day meeting with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania. There, Dr. Mobley discussed research projects and interesting lines of investigation with other doctors and principal investigators.

The evening's research presentation and festivities were held in the Mayor's Reception Hall in Philadelphia's historic City Hall. Dr. Mobley delivered a keynote address to a capacity audience detailing the advances of neurological studies on Ts65Dn mouse models (mice who have a genetic structure similar to the one found in humans with Down syndrome). The reception was hosted by DSRTF's Delaware Valley Committee for Down Syndrome Research. 

The Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation would like to recognize the energy and effort put forth by the co-chairs for the organizing committee, Andrew Miller and Vince Randazzo. In addition, DSRTF would like to recognize the tireless efforts of Rita Waldron, the members of the Committee, and the other volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make this event a success. DSRTF would like to thank our keynote speaker, Dr. William Mobley, the parents and guests in attendance, and the individuals and businesses who generously donated to help DSRTF continue funding Down syndrome cognitive research.

Finally, DSRTF's whirlwind tour of Philadelphia concluded at the Third Annual Trisomy 21 Educational Symposium held at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Keynote speakers and topics included Dr. William Mobley- Exploring the Neurobiology of Down Syndrome; Dr. Gerald Mahoney- The Role of Parents in Early Intervention; and Dr. L. Stewart Barbera- Down Syndrome: A Pediatric and Personal Perspective.  The event was very well attended by researchers, clinicians and parents.  "Friends of Trisomy 21" presented Dr. David Lynch of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with a contribution to help further his research studies on Down syndrome.

If you are interested in donating to DSRTF, you can contact us or give to the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and reference DSRTF's United Way number 16261.

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A Letter From A Very Special Young Person

At the beginning of April, a very special friend of DSRTF mailed us a letter telling us about her project to raise money for Down syndrome research by selling mice through our Adopt-A-Mouse Campaign. Everyone at DSRTF was touched and wanted to share this letter with you. Thank you Lisa for your commitment to helping children and young adults with Down syndrome. You are an amazing young lady.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am very happy to say that I was able to promote a fundraiser for Down syndrome in my school.

I had the chance to be involved in the Buddy Walk this past October. While I was there it was brought to my attention that I could even raise money to support Down syndrome. I had the chance to see and even interact with people who have this disorder. The children and adults with this disorder are some of the happiest and kind people on this Earth. The thing that is so wonderful is the fact that even when they know that they only have another year to live they live everyday to its fullest.

I found out that Down syndrome was a disorder that is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, and that this disorder that occurs in 1 out of 800 live births is the most common cause of mild to moderate mental retardation. I also found out that there is no cure for Down syndrome . . . but there is a way to reverse or ameliorate the affects of the extra chromosome . . . particularly with regard to the degree of mental retardation.

So I decided to that I would like to help children with this disorder by the means of Adopt-A-Mouse ! I was going to try to do this alone but I knew that if the school made it news to all of the students it would have a much greater impact, and sure enough it did. We raised $178. I can't wait to see the mice we get. They are so cute!

Thanks for your time,

Lisa- Grade 8; Pottstown, PA

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If you are interested in becoming an Adopt-A-Mouse Campaign Sponsor in your community, contact DSRTF today!!!