In this edition of our newsletter, you'll meet our exceptional Salla STAR, Marie, explore our latest translational science awards, and catch up on our recent milestones and activities. Dear STAR Supporters, The STAR Foundation continues to grow and thrive, thanks to you -- our wonderful family, scientific, and donor community. We hope that you enjoy the new online format of our newsletter. The past six months have been busy for STAR. STAR successfully completed our largest fundraiser ever, the Translational Science Award Fundraiser, which allowed us to directly fund TWO research projects aimed at finding therapies for our loved ones. We received more wonderful scientific submissions than we had funds available, so we will be launching a second phase of that campaign later this year. Thank you in advance for your generosity as we continue to support science! With the support of the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, we launched a family seminar series in 2025, which is highlighted in this newsletter and available on our website for those who were unable to attend. Again, with CZI's support, we will launch a project later this summer aimed at creating a 'standard of care' or roadmap for families and providers to follow when a new patient is diagnosed. Look for email invitations from our scientific communication lead, Dr. Sarah Goebel, to learn more and participate in this important project later this summer. I look forward to connecting with families in late August to check in and begin planning our next n-person gathering in 2026 (travel scholarships will be available). Finally, I had the privilege of speaking at Children's Hospital of Orange County's Rare Disease Day celebration in late February, and part of that wonderful trip was spending time with the Hanson family, whom you'll learn more about in this newsletter. Marie and her parents inspire me, and I know they'll inspire you too.