This past week, Cure Rare Disease’s first therapeutic 一developed using CRISPR technology to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy一began its final stage of testing leading up to dosing this fall. This CRISPR therapeutic will be one of the first of its kind to be delivered systemically to the human body, an accomplishment built on decades of science and research. As we approach this huge milestone in CRD’s mission, we wanted to reflect on the path that has gotten us here today.

It was May of 2020. What started off as a virus we were observing from the US wreak havoc first in Asia, then Europe, was now firmly taking hold locally. The two-week home school period, turned into two months and families were thrown into the impossible transition of figuring out how to work from our living rooms and support our kids’ education through endless Zoom meetings and classes. Life as we knew it was on hold…seemingly endlessly…and many were crippled with fear of the toll COVID-19 could have on us and the world we live in. But something was about to disrupt our lives in a far more meaningful and personal and terrifying way than any global pandemic ever could. 

My name is Katie Kuhl and I am a junior in high school right now. I am mostly focused on school and am involved in the math team, DECA, pre-med club, student council, and volunteering at my local animal shelter…