MTM~CNM Family Conference

Dr. Martin "Casey" Childers- Wake Forest University

Dr. Casey Childers spoke to us from Wake Forest about some very promising potential treatments coming from his current work with Labrador Retrievers. Since MTM is a recessive trait for labs, the potential of looking at a variety of therapies using these large animal models is stagering. Dr. Childers manner of speaking was incredible, bringing home the potential that may come available to our community. Specific details cannot be put on this blog since these findings have not even been published, so we are really on the cutting edge! It was incredible to hear how he was shaping his study to meet the needs of our community, asking for input as to where our priorities lie in regards to potential treatments. Read more information regarding these exciting breakthroughs here: http://quest.mda.org/news/mda-awards-grant-test-mtm-gene-transfer-dogs.

Genathon, a French lab, is also making great strides in assisting our community. To read more about their approval with Boston's Children to begin gene therapy read here: http://www.genethon.fr/en/2011/07/21/genethon-and-childrens-hospital-boston-get-fda-approval-for-a-wiskott-aldrich-gene-therapy-trial/.

Following Dr. Childers was the tribute to our MTM Angels, one of the most emotional portions of the weekend. Honoring these sweet angels is a reminder to our entire community of who we are fighting for. Each family in attendance whose child became an angel the last few years received a beautiful plaque honoring their child. Each family was given an opportunity to speak.  It was an amazing experience. 

Soon the goodbyes began with the conference breaking for lunch. Reaserchers and attendees alike felt that this conference had touched a space in their hearts and drawn us together as a community. Remembering that as we begin to make our journeys home, we are a family that extends across the United States, across the pond, through Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. We share a common bond. Our children and angels have provided us with a different view, a different path. We may not have expected to be here, but together we can do anything!

A slide show of all of our community was shown at the closing ceremonies and then final goodbyes.

The 2011 MTM-CNM Conference was amazing! For those of you who could not attend, you were missed, we thought of you often, and look forward to seeing you at the next conference.

Keep checking this site for updates in both the blog and cutting edge articles.

Until we see one another again....