Fwd: Downs Syndrome Cognition Research News

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Date: Tue, Aug 2, 2011 at 2:44 PMSubject: Downs Syndrome Cognition Research NewsTo: kathy ratkiewicz

Dear Friends,

The past few days have been an exciting time for all of us in the Down syndrome community.

By now, many of you have likely read the article appearing in the Sunday New York Times Magazine about a father's quest to find a drug to help his daughter and others with Down syndrome improve their learning and memory. The article exposed the promising research that is being done by many DSRTF-funded researchers around the country. We are extremely proud to have been highlighted as one of the few private sources of funding for Down syndrome cognition research, and we have heard from a number of parents who have said that the article has given them " renewed hope " for the future of their children.  

In addition, on Friday, July 28 Representatives and Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus Co-Chairs, Mc Rodgers (R-WA), Van Hollen (D-MD) and Pete Sessions (R-TX), introduced the Trisomy 21 Act of 2011 or “21 Acts” package (HR 2695 and HR 2696).  The package aims to create a Down syndrome contract registry, Down syndrome research database, and Down syndrome biobank.   It will also create at least six Down Syndrome Translational Research Centers of Excellence, which will further strengthen the research being conducted on Down syndrome across the country and better equip our research community with the tools necessary to facilitate their research.

The added attention and energy concerning promising Down syndrome cognition research creates an opportunity for you to help.  Here are two concrete ways for you to take action:

1. Continue supporting DSRTF and advancing cognition research by making a donation:  Since our founding, DSRTF has awarded over $8,000,000 in grants for Down syndrome cognition research to major research centers, including s Hopkins Medical Center, Stanford University, University of California, San Diego, University of Arizona, University of Texas, Austin and the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System. Your donation will ensure that we can continue to support the type of groundbreaking research that was highlighted in the article. You can make a donation to DSRTF by clicking here.

2. Demonstrate your support for 21 Act Package:  call or email your Representative today to ask them to be a cosponsor.  For more information on the legislation click here or contact the National Down Syndrome Society.

In addition, please continue to circulate the article and information on the 21 Act Package to everyone you know. Raising awareness about the promise of research is critical to our mission.

Kind regards,

Rose

 

 

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