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Rare Awareness Radio

Rare Awareness Radio

By: Rare Awareness Radio
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 Shedding light on underrepresented diseases and the efforts of non-profit foundations working tirelessly to support those affected.All rights reserved Economics
Episodes
  • EP 20 Deb Ondrasik

    EP 20 Deb Ondrasik
    Jul 12 2025
    Living on Both Sides of the Stethoscope — Dr. Deb Ondrasik on CACNA1A, Advocacy, and Hope In this episode of Rare Awareness Radio, we sit down with Dr. Deb Ondrasik—pediatrician, rare disease advocate, and mother to a daughter living with CACNA1A-related epileptic encephalopathy. Deb shares her extraordinary journey navigating life as both a healthcare provider and caregiver, and how her daughter’s diagnosis propelled her into advocacy. From the challenges of early developmental delays to the transformative power of genetic testing, Deb offers insight into the barriers families face—and how we can build a more responsive, compassionate system. She also discusses her work with the CACNA1A Foundation, the importance of building community, and the emotional toll—and resilience—of parenting a medically complex child. Whether you’re a clinician, parent, policymaker, or simply curious about the lived realities of rare disease families, this conversation is packed with heart, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. 🔗 Learn more about the CACNA1A Foundation: https://www.cacna1a.org 📬 Subscribe to their newsletter for updates and opportunities to get involved. 💬 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Rare Awareness Radio. Your support helps amplify voices that matter. #RareDisease #CACNA1A #RareAdvocacy #PediatricNeurology #GeneticTesting #DisabilityAdvocacy #RareAwarenessRadio #ParentingWithPurpose
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    40 mins
  • EP 19 Nicole Legro

    EP 19 Nicole Legro
    Jun 28 2025
    A Voice for the Undiagnosed: Dr. Nikki Legro on FAM177A1, Genetic Advocacy, and Reimagining Maternal-Fetal Medicine - In this powerful episode of Rare Awareness Radio, we sit down with Dr. Nicole “Nikki” Legro—a physician, researcher, and rising leader in the rare disease space. Currently a third-year OB/GYN resident at Georgetown University, Nikki reflects on the long and winding path that led to her groundbreaking work helping to define the FAM177A1-related disorder through the NIH’s Undiagnosed Diseases Network and Stanford University. She shares her early inspirations, the challenges and triumphs of co-authoring a multi-year publication in Genetics in Medicine, and what it means to advocate for families navigating life with an undiagnosed or rare genetic condition. Nikki also discusses the future of maternal-fetal medicine, the growing role of AI in genetic diagnostics, and the deep human connections that drive her work forward. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of research, advocacy, and patient-centered care in the world of rare disease. Topics Include: The origin story of Nikki’s interest in rare genetic conditions Her work with the Hawkins family and the FAM177A1 research fund Challenges in publishing rare disease findings Evolving approaches to prenatal genetic screening The future of OB/GYN and gene therapy Building trust and trauma-informed care with patients and families 📣 Subscribe and share to support awareness, research, and advocacy for the rare disease community. #RareDiseaseAwareness #GeneticAdvocacy #WomenInMedicine #MaternalFetalMedicine #FAM177A1
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    37 mins
  • EP 18 Clement Chow

    EP 18 Clement Chow
    Jun 3 2025
    In this episode of Rare Awareness Radio, host Richard Juknavorian speaks with Dr. Clement Chow, Associate Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Dr. Chow and his team are doing groundbreaking work in rare disease research using an unexpected but powerful model: the fruit fly. We dive into Clement’s recent drug repurposing screen focused on FAM177A1 deficiency, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Hear how his team screened over 1,500 FDA-approved drugs using a fly model exhibiting a lethal phenotype—an innovative, cost-effective approach that could fast-track treatments for rare disease communities. Clement shares how his lab collaborates closely with patient foundations like the FAM177A1 Research Fund, how symptom management can be a gateway to deeper understanding, and what the future holds for applying discoveries across genetically linked rare diseases. Whether you're a scientist, advocate, or rare disease family member, this episode offers hope, insight, and a look at the power of creative research partnerships. 🎧 Listen now and learn how a tiny fly could make a world of difference. Special thanks to Jill Hawkins and the FAM177A1 Research Fund for making this episode possible. Link to Jill's episode: https://on.soundcloud.com/Xj9lYExwMcDxLJRj9f #RareDisease #FAM177A1 #ClementChow #DrugRepurposing #FruitFlyResearch #TranslationalScience #RareAwarenessRadio
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    28 mins

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