2022 Symposium Videos are now available
Hello everyone, In December 2022, SLC6A1 Connect hosted a symposium on the latest trends and research into SLC6A1 disorders. The event preceded the annual American Epilepsy Society (AES) Conference. Both events occurred in Nashville, Tennessee. SLC6A1 researchers and families of SLC6A1 patients attended the symposium. As a father of an SLC6A1 patient, Katrina, I was…
Maxwell, Riley, and I had a special spring break!
SLC6A1 families from Kansas City, Iowa, New York City, Belgium, and the Netherlands all headed to Dallas to visit us! We had some belly laughs and created unforgettable memories. We all share a bond only understood by fellow parents and each other’s presence is comforting. The strength, perseverance, and resilience of each family is remarkable.…
The Honorable Congressman Van Taylor and Silly Riley
Today was too good not to share!!! I had a meeting with my congressional representative, the honorable Van Taylor to discuss rare disease advocacy at the state and national level. Rare diseases are considered too rare to care by pharma, government, and even some medical professionals. Our lofty aspirations require the support of an army. …
Amber’s Birthday ?
My birthday was Saturday which in rare disease world equates to the obligatory fundraiser. This year, I am celebrating a success along with our faithful donors that have made this moment possible. Last December, many gene therapy projects were mostly halted due to social distancing measures. Days continued to pass for children that do not…
A Big Win
We’re so excited to share a big win for our community. This is happening because of our selfless donors that walk alongside of us every single day. In thanks to our support, SLC6A1 Connect is funding a clinical trial to repurpose an FDA approved drug named Ravicti made by Horizon Therapeutics for SLC6A1. The trial…
Celebrating Like it’s 2017
I was exactly 34 weeks pregnant, and it was the day of my maternity photoshoot. Our sweet photographer said 34 weeks is the perfect time because women are glowing, but that is not the case when you are 5’2, 100 pounds and carrying twins. I could barely walk, Mark put on my shoes and I…
The Girl That Changed Everything
Mila was born 10 years ago in Boulder, Colorado to an adoring mother named Julia Vitarello. Beautiful and energetic from the start, Mila was a little girl whose personality drew others in naturally. Even as a three-year-old, she used her captivating smile, repertoire of Frozen songs and her soft touch to charm an entire flight…
Sorrow
Our small, closely knit, rare disease community lost one of our heroes. I have contemplated sharing this information because frankly, it makes it hard to breathe. When I saw the other mother’s post, my mind nearly imploded with grief and fear. I tried to push it out of mind so I could lead morning meetings…
Gratitude
The start of 2021 is beginning with nothing but positivity, joy and a strong belief that miracles happen every day. Rather than list a slew of resolutions that may or may not be feasible (as COVID taught us), I have decided to start the year with simple gratitude. I have found a large amount of…