Helping make a brighter future possible.
Many new parents of children with Down syndrome are often shocked to find out that funding for research into the condition has dropped dramatically in recent years. Funding of $23 million in 2003 has dropped to $17 million in 2008. This means that only $40 in research is being committed to each person with Down syndrome. In contrast, $3,000 in research is being allocated to each person with cystic fibrosis and $1,500 towards persons with Fragile X syndrome, both far less common medical conditions.
We’re not content with these findings. Instead, DownSyndrome Achieves is taking the lead in building research capacity and infrastructure that will provide researchers the ability to conduct Down syndrome research and scientific discovery. That’s why we formed the nation's first Down syndrome research consortium.
Known as the Down Syndrome Research Initiative (DSRI), this first of its kind collective is comprised of medical directors, researchers, and clinicians from nine different pediatric and academic research institutions, including, the Cleveland Clinic, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, The Ohio State University Davis Heart & Lung Institute, and the University of Pittsburgh.
For the first time, researchers and clinicians will share data, information, populations, and technologies to accelerate Down syndrome research and scientific discovery. The more we learn and understand, the better equipped we are to teach new skills to those with Down syndrome. And that’s what leads to greater independence and more meaningful lives.
For more information about our Down Syndrome Research Initiative, call us at 866.568.8949.