What is Angelman Syndrome?
What is FAST?
FAST is the largest non-governmental funder of Angelman syndrome research, and we take this responsibility seriously. Since 2011, we’ve committed over $20 million to life-changing research.
Make a DonationOur sole mission
is to cure Angelman
Syndrome.
Our sole mission
is to cure Angelman
Syndrome.
What is Angelman Syndrome?
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare disorder caused by the loss of function of a single gene and affects approximately 500,000 people worldwide.
Symptoms typically become noticeable around the age of 6-12 months and may include difficulty suckling and eating, gastrointestinal issues, delayed crawling and babbling, balance and motor impairment, and seizures. Some individuals never walk, and most do not speak. And while they require continuous care, they have a normal life expectancy and a distinctly happy demeanor, characterized by frequent laughing, smiling and excitability.
Understanding Angelman Make a DonationWhat isAngelman Syndrome?
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare disorder caused by the loss of function of a single gene and affects approximately 500,000 people worldwide.
Symptoms typically become noticeable around the age of 6-12 months and may include difficulty suckling and eating, gastrointestinal issues, delayed crawling and babbling, balance and motor impairment, and seizures. Some individuals never walk, and most do not speak. And while they require continuous care, they have a normal life expectancy and a distinctly happy demeanor, characterized by frequent laughing, smiling and excitability.
Understanding AngelmanAmelia's Story
My name is Amelia Beatty, and this is my son Orion. As with all parents when their child is diagnosed with AS, my husband and I were devastated. I remember very clearly the geneticist giving us a long list of all the things that Orion would never be able to do. Our dreams for Orion were crushed. A friend connected me with another mom whose child also has AS, and she told me about FAST. “Angelman syndrome is treatable,” she said. “FAST is funding research to find a cure.” I dared to hope for a brighter future for Orion.
https://youtu.be/Hyqrqdk-GBMWhat Makes FAST Unique?
Focused on a Cure
Scientists know what causes AS and have been able to reverse it in mouse models, and we’ve found multiple pathways to a cure.
A Better Future for Our Kids
FAST is almost entirely volunteer-run. We are a group of passionate parents committed to bringing life-changing treatments to all individuals with AS, regardless of genotype or age.
Connecting the Brightest Minds
FAST has set the research agenda for AS by bringing together a multidisciplinary team of more than two-dozen scientists from top research universities and pharmaceutical companies.How FAST Began
When Founder Paula Evans received the diagnosis that her daughter, Ainsley, had Angelman syndrome and that there was no treatment or hope for a cure, all she could think was,
Why not?
There is always hope.
FAST was formed three years later by a group of parents with expertise in the fields of science, medicine, finance, law, entrepreneurship, management and entertainment. We adopted a clear and concise mission to bring practical treatments into current medical practice as quickly as possible. We developed a unique funding philosophy that set us apart from similar nonprofit organizations and placed us on a solid trajectory to identify therapeutics and a cure for AS.
Our HistoryHow FASTBegan
When Founder Paula Evans received the diagnosis that her daughter, Ainsley, had Angelman syndrome and that there was no treatment or hope for a cure, all she could think was,
Why not?
There is always hope.
FAST was formed three years later by a group of parents with expertise in the fields of science, medicine, finance, law, entrepreneurship, management and entertainment. We adopted a clear and concise mission to bring practical treatments into current medical practice as quickly as possible. We developed a unique funding philosophy that set us apart from similar nonprofit organizations and placed us on a solid trajectory to identify therapeutics and a cure for AS.
Our HistoryStay informed about Angelman syndrome breakthroughs, new research initiatives, and stories of hope and resilience.
Now is the Time
for Action.
FAST’s Roadmap to a Cure is bold, ambitious, and, with your help, achievable. Because we know exactly what causes AS and it has already been cured in the laboratory, an investment in FAST is an investment of global proportion.
Our findings will change the lives of people with Angelman syndrome and, potentially, millions more who have related disorders like autism and Alzheimer’s disease.
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