Media: https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTcyYTQ4YTRmZ2U2aXpodXo4bm9odjcyZDUyZ2xjNm45Z2M5MDk5dW9iMngxZzJlNSZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/ZFi67MXkoimdYxj9LZ/giphy.gifTitle: The Impact of Trump’s Funding Cuts on Key Research to Save Vision in Usher Syndrome Patients
The recent news about President Trump’s funding cuts has raised concerns among researchers working tirelessly to find treatments for rare genetic disorders like Usher syndrome. One such individual, Jessica Chaikof, who was born with Usher 1F syndrome and is now a Ph.D. student at Brandeis University, fears that these cuts could delay the development of gene therapies that might help save her eyesight from deteriorating further.
Usher syndrome Type 1F causes deafness at birth and eventually leads to blindness over time due to genetic factors. Chaikof’s older sister was diagnosed with this rare disorder in 2006, which prompted doctors to suspect that Jessica too had the condition. Today, she relies on a guide dog named Jigg to navigate her surroundings, especially at night.
Chaikof is hopeful about research into gene therapies as they may potentially halt or even reverse the progression of vision loss associated with Usher syndrome Type 1F. However, she expresses worry over President Trump’s decision to cut federal funding for research, particularly at Harvard University. These cuts could significantly impact ongoing studies and delay the development of life-changing treatments like gene therapies.
The implications of these funding cuts are far-reaching, not just for individuals with Usher syndrome but also for other rare genetic disorders where critical research is underway. The loss of over a billion dollars from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation grants awarded to Harvard University could set back scientific progress by years.
As someone who has firsthand experience dealing with the challenges posed by Usher syndrome, I believe that these funding cuts are not only detrimental to ongoing research but also disheartening for patients like Jessica Chaikof who hold onto hope for a better future through medical advancements. It is crucial that we advocate for increased support and funding for scientific research so that promising treatments can reach those in need as soon as possible.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/06/24/nx-s1-5440505/harvard-science-funding-freeze-usher-1f) #hoped
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