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TESS Superhero Lucas

Dear TESS Friend,


Our TESS Superheroes and research community motivate me every single day. They are the reason we advanced so quickly to our gene therapy clinical trial. We want to find a cure quickly - to end countless seizures, eliminate movement disorders, and unlock voices. Without the detailed data from our Superheroes combined with the knowledge and commitment from our dedicated team of researchers, we would still be in the development stage.


We have achieved in seven years what takes many pharmaceutical companies decades. This progress has only been possible because of your support.

The upcoming trial brings so much hope to parents like Evelyn, mom to Superhero Lucas. 


“It could mean the difference between hearing Lucas say ‘mommy’, seeing him walk, watching him play with his siblings, and so much more - opening doors for Lucas that may otherwise stay closed”. 


Six years ago, foster parents Evelyn and Michael received a call that changed their lives forever. Lucas, a newborn with complex medical needs, desperately needed a loving home. A permanent member of their family now, today Lucas is a joyful six-year-old who loves music. Although more medically stable, their days, like those of all TESS families, still hold uncertainty, complications and ongoing struggles.


The trial can’t happen without funding. It’s that simple. We are so close to reaching our goal, to launching the trial, and unlocking a new world of possibilities for our TESS Superheroes. But we need you. Lucas needs you.


If you haven’t had a chance to give, there’s still time to make a big impact and help us reach our $450,000 goal. 

Our TESS Superheroes deserve a future filled with possibility. You can give that to them today.


With immense gratitude,


Dr. Tanya Brown

Scientific Director, TESS


P.S. Help us begin 2026 knowing we can launch this trial.


P.P.S. If your donation and our email crossed in cyberspace, thank you for your gift!

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TESS Research Foundation drives cutting-edge research to diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure SLC13A5 Epilepsy, while providing support for affected children and their families.



We will have succeeded when all children with SLC13A5 Epilepsy lead healthy and independent lives.

TESS Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity.

Tax ID 47-3108868

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