#205 Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency with the United MSD Foundation

DNA Today: A Genetics Podcast

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This week we were joined by Amber Olsen and Faith McGown of the United MSD Foundation

to discuss Multiple Sulfatase Deficiency (MSD), an ultra rare, fatal genetic condition, and what it’s like to run a rare disease nonprofit!

Amber Olsen is the mother of Willow, a child diagnosed with MSD. Following WIllow’s diagnosis, Amber formed the United MSD Foundation, traveling the world to find a treatment to help the children with this devastating disease. She will not stop until enough money is raised to bring research into the clinic for the children with MSD. Amber and her husband Tom have 3 wonderful daughters, Kylee 15, Jenna 11, and Willow 4 years old.

Faith McGowan is a campaign consultant at the United MSD Foundation. For more than 30 years, Faith has successfully supported the mission and financial goals of nonprofit and corporate organizations. Her work has included development, sales and marketing, public and media relations, event development and management, and securing individual, foundation and corporate support for nonprofit organizations. Faith has a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota and began her professional career in journalism. She is an avid runner and certified as a yoga instructor and health coach. Faith and her daughter live in Memphis, Tennessee.

On This Episode We Discuss:

Willow’s diagnostic odyssey

Effects of MSD on the body

How lysosomal conditions like MSD cause neurological symptoms

MSD inheritance

Rarity and types of MSD

MSD diagnosis (Free Invitae testing and lack of newborn screening)

Types of support that kids with MSD can receive

Challenges faced by rare disease organizations

The United MSD Foundation

MSD natural history studies and clinical trials

Advice for parents and caregivers

We’d like to share a few of the materials mentioned in this episode; the United MSD Foundation’s physician guide, and this guide for parents and caregivers that have a child that has recently been diagnosed with MSD.You can follow the United MSD Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on October 14th, 2022 where we’ll be discussing phenotypically driven clinical results with Dr. Lora Bean of PerkinElmer Genomics! New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 200 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel.

DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli.

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PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)

When it comes to the quality of genetic testing, the most important aspect to consider is patient care. At Blueprint Genetics, patients come first. In order for a test to be considered high quality, it should provide valuable information for the patient. That’s why Blueprint Genetics is focused on prioritizing quality and delivering answers to patients and their families. Stay tuned for our interview with Blueprint Genetics where we will define what quality genetic testing means. In the meantime, you can learn more at BlueprintGenetics.com. (SPONSORED)