ASF Opens Application for its Inaugural Jacob Pritzker Fellowship
AURORA, IL – Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) proudly announces the launch of the Jacob Pritzker Fellowship Program in honor of late board president Fred Pritzker. The Jacob Pritzker Fellowship Program was created to address the ever-increasing need for more physicians who are well versed in best practices for treating individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS). The ASF has partnered with leading research medical institutions across the country to provide outstanding care for those living with AS. The Angelman Clinics are designed to provide individuals with Angelman syndrome the comprehensive medical care needed, all available in one clinical visit in one single location. These specialists are also more knowledgeable concerning possible new treatment options and other latest advancements regarding the disease. Prior to this, families would search for multiple clinics and multiple specialists to receive the necessary care for their loved one with AS.
“Fred played such a pivotal role in the Angelman syndrome community in establishing clinical care for those living with Angelman syndrome. His dedication not only to his son, Jacob, but so many like him has been truly inspiring and transformational. We are humbled to honor his memory by ensuring that this work continues way into the future.”
Amanda Moore, CEO
This fellowship opportunity is intended to support a junior investigator or clinical training program for an early career physician. Fellows are expected to be engaged full-time in Angelman related activities during the fellowship year. Fred Pritzker dedicated his life to ensure that his son, Jacob received the best care possible to ensure a high quality of life. We want to honor his dedication by ensuring that this work continues well into the future.
“The LADDER Learning Network (LLN) is a strategic collaboration between the Angelman Syndrome Foundation and Dup15q Alliance which aims to provide the best possible care for those with Angelman syndrome and Dup15q syndrome. The vision of the LADDER Learning Network is to create a community of clinics and providers focused on shared knowledge, advocacy for innovations in research, and commitment to developing therapeutics. We are so excited to continue to grow this community through the Jacob Pritzker Fellowship!”
Katie Garbarini, LLN Director
Applications are now opened and you can access them here.
ABOUT ANGELMAN SYNDROME
Angelman syndrome is a rare neurogenetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births (or 500,000 people worldwide). Common signs and symptoms, such as walking and balance disorders, gastrointestinal issues, seizures and speech impairments, usually appear in early childhood. It is caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene in the 15th chromosome derived from the mother. It shares symptoms and characteristics with other disorders including autism, cerebral palsy and Prader-Willi syndrome. It has no cure.
ABOUT ANGELMAN SYNDROME FOUNDATION
The mission of Angelman Syndrome Foundation is to advance the awareness and treatment of Angelman syndrome through education and information, research, and support for individuals with Angelman syndrome, their families and other concerned parties. We exist to give all of them a reason to smile, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. To learn more, visit Angelman.org.
ABOUT FRED PRITZKER
Fred was passionate about protecting and expanding the rights of people with disabilities and defending the civil rights of all Americans. He was an officer and director of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance, and ARC Minnesota, among others. He and his wife, Renee, endowed the Jacob E. Pritzker Fund to support the University of Minnesota Law School and the Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) and help underwrite the Angelman Syndrome Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital. Fred and Renee also fund new scientific research into the gut microbiome in Angelman syndrome. Fred was also a long-time board member of the Minnesota ACLU Foundation.
“My 35-year-old son is physically and developmentally disabled. He lives at home and my wife and I are his primary caregivers. Making sure his life and the lives of other people with disabilities are safe, happy and fulfilling is my passion. It affects everything I do, including how I practice law and the way in which I relate to my clients, many of whom are struggling with their own injuries and disabilities. Here’s what I’ve learned: in one way or another, we’re all ‘disabled’ to some degree. But we are not defined by our disabilities. We deserve to be loved, have friends, have fun, do interesting things and be accepted for who we are rather than what we can do. Raising a child with disabilities is a challenge, but the love we share and the lessons we’ve learned transcend everything else.”
Fred Pritzker