WAGR Syndrome Research at CHOP Supported by Miranda's Mission

John and Beth Morris are parents of two daughters--Miranda, age 7 (WAGR syndrome) and Juliet, age 5. Several years ago, the Morrises founded Miranda's Mission, a nonprofit family foundation based in suburban Philadelphia. Miranda's Mission seeks to stimulate research and promote awareness of WAGR syndrome. This nonprofit organization, which works collaboratively with the International WAGR Syndrome Association to facilitate research, recently identified a perfect opportunity to pursue its mission by supporting the Kalish Laboratory at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Dr Jennifer Kalish, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist in CHOP's Division of Human Genetics, and has special interest in cancer predisposition syndromes. Dr Kalish's team began accessing data in the WAGR Syndrome Patient Registry in 2020. They were excited to discover information in the registry that could be published in medical literature to help develop recommendations, and ultimately improve clinical care for individuals with WAGR syndrome.

In March 2021, Miranda's Mission generously donated $3000 to support completion of the work that will lead to publication. Work in the Kalish lab at CHOP is of interest to the Morris family, as Miranda receives specialized care at this hospital center. Providing this recent gift is a way for Miranda's Mission and the Morrises to support the hospital that means so much to their family and community, and to help all families affected by WAGR syndrome.

The Morrises are passionate about furthering WAGR syndrome research and supporting IWSA families. In addition to their work with Miranda's Mission, Beth and John also serve the International WAGR Syndrome Association--John as the IWSA Board Secretary and member of the Research and Medical Advocacy Team, and Beth as IWSA Communications Director. They also served as the host family for the IWSA's 2020 Virtual WAGR Weekend and will host the virtual event again in July of this year.