Hampus Hillerstrom

LuMind IDSC Foundation

LuMind IDSC Foundation envisions a world where every person with Down syndrome thrives with improved health, independence, and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. We accelerate research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options. We empower families through education, connections, and support. LuMind IDSC is the largest online Down syndrome community and the leading organization supporting translational research for Down syndrome. We significantly empower families through webinars, information, online focus groups and regional recreational events. We partner with health and biopharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, NIH and other public institutions to create more opportunities for improved health and independence for all people with Down syndrome. In the last 15 years, we have granted $20 million to fill a funding gap for Down syndrome research, identifying several therapeutic targets to improve health and cognition. In 2018, LuMind launched the first clinical trial network – DS-CTN – to accelerate the development of treatment options for Alzheimer's onset, sleep apnea, and other prevalent conditions for people with Down syndrome. Since 2008, LuMind IDSC has provided online peer-to-peer support and caregiver resources to an international community of more than 250,000 members as well as provided regional recreational family events in the United States and Canada for more than 5,000 members. LuMind IDSC works diligently to meet the emerging needs of the Down syndrome community. We strive to reach families who are unaware of the significant research progress that needs their support to be translated to medicines and interventions while tackling a growing interest for quality research and medical care content and education for their followers.