This past weekend marked the start of something truly special for the NM community. A Foundation Building Strength launched their “Building Strength Together” Webinar Series, a platform designed to foster connection, support, and education for individuals and families navigating the challenges of NM. The first session focused on Emotional Wellness, a critical but often overlooked…
Read MoreNemaline Myopathy Gene Therapy Research Moves to Next Phase of Pre-Clinical Trials
We’re excited to share some encouraging news on the front lines of Nemaline Myopathy research. Dr. Afrooz Rashnonejad and her team, funded by the support of AFBS, have been making strides in developing a potential gene therapy for NEM3, a form of Nemaline Myopathy caused by mutations in the ACTA1 gene. Nemaline Myopathy Gene Therapy:…
Read MoreResearch Brief: Promising Updates in Nemaline Myopathy Gene Therapy and Drug Repurposing Development
Dr. Vandana Gupta and her team at Brigham & Women’s Hospital, with funding from A Foundation Building Strength (AFBS), are making exciting progress in the quest to find treatments for Nemaline Myopathy (NM). This rare neuromuscular disease affects muscle function and can significantly impact quality of life. Here’s a quick update on their recent research…
Read MoreAFBS & Beggs Laboratory Launch Groundbreaking NM Biobanking Program
A Foundation Building Strength (AFBS) proudly announces a significant expansion of its Nemaline Myopathy (NM) research efforts through the launch of the Beggs Laboratory NM Biobanking Program at Boston Children’s Hospital. This groundbreaking initiative builds upon the existing AFBS-sponsored NM Tissue Repository and aims to revolutionize our understanding of NM, forging a path toward new…
Read MoreFaces of NM: Enilton Neymakes Morais – A Polyglot Globetrotter with Nemaline Myopathy
A Diagnosis, A Fear, A New Path Enilton Neymakes Morais isn’t letting Nemaline Myopathy (NM) clip his wings. The 35-year-old Brazilian from Valente-Bahia speaks five languages and dreams of traveling the world, a testament to his adventurous spirit. His diagnosis came through a muscle biopsy, and it was met with a heavy dose of fear….
Read MoreFACES OF NM: Harneet Sandhu is Navigating Nemaline Myopathy with Resilience and Advocacy
Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Medical Complexities Harneet Sandhu’s journey with Nemaline Myopathy (NM) began with early signs noticed by her mother when she was just three years old. “When I would fall while walking, I wouldn’t stand back up,” she recalls. Concerned, her mother sought medical advice, leading to a pivotal diagnosis of a muscular…
Read MoreFACES OF NM: Alexandra is Finding Strength in Every Breath
Alexandra Gresick isn’t letting Nemaline Myopathy (NM) define her. The 35-year-old St. Louis resident wears many hats – a university employee passionate about student success, a culture and language enthusiast, and a determined individual navigating a rare disease. Her journey with NM began with a dramatic turn. A Diagnosis and a New Chapter “Hospitalization for…
Read MoreA Beacon of Hope: New Research Paves the Way for Effective Nemaline Myopathy Treatments
Nemaline Myopathy (NM) is a rare muscle disorder that weakens the body’s skeletal muscles. Finding effective treatments for NM has been challenging, in part due to the difficulty of recreating the disease in a laboratory setting. However, a recent research project funded by A Foundation Building Strength (AFBS) has made significant progress in overcoming this…
Read MoreFACES OF NM: A Mother-Son Duo Finding Strength Together
𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 “𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘕𝘔” 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘕𝘔 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺. Noelle Nuñez and her son, Ezmile, are rewriting the narrative of Nemaline Myopathy (NM). Noelle’s journey began invisibly, a condition that went undiagnosed for years, silently shaping her life. “I didn’t get…
Read MoreFACES OF NM: Mila, Warrior Princess
Mila Giselle Davila is all smiles and sunshine. At five years old, the Houston, TX resident exudes a vibrancy that transcends the challenges of living with Nemaline Myopathy (NM), a rare congenital muscle disease. But Mila’s journey began with a fight, a fight that would shape her life and the lives of those who love her most.
Read MoreFACES OF NM: Nicole Riedie’s Story of Resilience and Triumph
The second installment in our “Faces of NM” series featuring the unique stories of members in our diverse and incredible Nemaline Myopathy community. Nicole Riedie, a marketing professional from Sherwood, Arkansas, is no stranger to adversity. Diagnosed with Nemaline Myopathy (NM) at a young age, Nicole has faced a lifetime of challenges, yet her story…
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