Jeanne Klein is one of the 18 million people living with age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD. AMD also caused her mother to lose her vision. Jeanne and her sister, Diane watched their mother struggle with the condition for many years.
Diane and Jeanne agreed to be the first participants in a groundbreaking sibling study utilizing stem cells to uncover new solutions for AMD. The study began with a simple blood drawing and Jeanne and Dianne consequently have mini eyeballs grown from their own stem cells.
The experts at the Retina Foundation are analyzing the genetic make-up of their mini eyeballs to determine why Jeanne has AMD and Diane does not, even though both siblings have a genetic factor for the disease. They are also able to test different drug therapies to determine the best treatment options for Jeanne. Results from the stem cell study has the potential to change Jeanne’s future as well as the future of the 18 million people with AMD and their loved ones.
All of this would not be possible without the support of generous donors who believe in the Retina Foundation’s mission to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment.
