By Phil Ash, GRIN2B Foundation Board Member

Hello! This is Phil Ash, teacher, father, Board Member of GRIN2B Foundation, and the host of Celebrating Rare: The GRIN2B Podcast. The COVID-19 Pandemic continued to affect our families and our Foundation in 2021. In spite of its restrictions, we were busy laying the groundwork for three very important initiatives that are all happening in 2022. It only made sense to close out 2021 by reflecting on the year that was, and previewing the exciting things that lay ahead. To that end, I brought on a very special guest for this episode…my wife! Though that’s how I know her, the rest of you all know her as Liz Marfia-Ash, GRIN2B Foundation Founder and President. Liz reflects on the year that was while also discussing our 2022 happenings! These include a clinical trial for patients with gain of function GRIN2B variants, the opening of the first GRI Center of Excellence in Denver, Colorado and previewing our first in-person family weekend since 2018. Note – this episode was filmed in the final days of 2021.

We are so excited to bring these programs to you in this new year, and we need your help and continued support to increase our funding and reach with scientists and researchers! The only way we can do that is for all of us to do the little things, like completing paperwork for GRIN2B patient registries or by hosting fundraisers or family meet ups. No matter how big or small, each of these programs make a difference for all of our families. I hope you enjoy this episode and that you and your family have a happy and healthy new year. As always, if you have comments or suggestions for future topics, or are interested in being a guest on future episodes, please send an email to phil.ash@grin2b.com or send a tweet to @grin2bsyndrome, using the hashtag, #CelebratingRare.

To further protect myself from any unintended mistakes, each episode will have the following written disclaimer when you click on the link:

PODCAST Disclaimer: While I make every effort to broadcast correct information, I am still learning. I make every effort to double check my facts, but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. I am simply sharing my views and personal experiences as a GRIN2B parent. I am not a medical professional. I welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Phillip Ash, GRIN2B Foundation, any guests or contributors to the podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of GRIN2B Foundation be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.