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Maxwell’s House

Stephany Contrella / FAR Forward Together

Raising money to fund the creation of a treatment for Maxwell and thousands of children living with ARID1B-RD.

  • $16,700

    Raised

  • $25,000

    Goal

  • 23

    Supporters

Recent Transactions

About Maxwell’s House

Let me introduce you to Maxwell! Maxwell has ARID1B-Related Disorder. ARID1B-RD is a single-gene disorder caused by a loss of function in the ARID1B gene on the 6th chromosome. Notably, people have two sets of chromosomes that include two copies of each gene. Among individuals with ARID1B-RD, only one copy of the ARID1B gene is not functional and the remaining functional copy is not enough to preserve normal function. For Maxwell, this genetic mutation manifests as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Epilepsy, and Hypotonia. These diagnoses affect almost every aspect of Maxwell's life - speech, communication, learning, understanding, motor skills - and create huge barriers on his way to living an independent life. Technologies that can compensate for Maxwell’s genetic deletion already show enormous potential in other syndromes. Treatments may improve his life and allow him to realize so many more of his future dreams. These technologies require adaptations and experimentation to prove their capability for the ARID1B gene.  We have already taken the first steps - identifying the appropriate modalities, finding the right researchers, and financing the initial stages of development. Now we are turning to you for help to take this forward and quickly create treatment for Maxwell and thousands of children with the same syndrome. We know that Maxwell can move mountains, and we would love nothing more than to help him do just that. The simple truth is we cannot take this journey alone. Your support in this endeavor is greatly appreciated!