She hoped key research could help save her eyesight. Then the Trump funding cuts came
Summary
Jessica Chaikof, born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher 1F syndrome, faces potential blindness after being born deaf. She worries that recent cuts to federal research funding might delay treatments that could save her sight, especially affecting ongoing research at Harvard University.Key Facts
- Usher 1F syndrome is a rare disorder that causes deafness from birth and gradual blindness.
- This genetic condition is more common among people with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
- Jessica and her sister were both born deaf; her sister was diagnosed with Usher 1F at age 11.
- Federal funding cuts under the Trump administration have affected research grants, impacting Harvard University.
- A judge ruled to restore funding for 800 NIH grants, but this does not include Harvard's canceled grants.
- The cuts at Harvard are tied to the administration's concerns about antisemitism on campus.
- Jessica's parents run a foundation to promote research on gene therapies for Usher 1F.
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