CRG

Rare disease research advances one step at a time. Behind every step are clinicians and scientists committed to long-term work — often with limited resources and little visibility. For more than 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, that dedication is everything.

I lost my mom to RVCL when she was 50. Back then, there was almost nothing — no drug candidates, no clear path forward. That’s what drove us to build Illumination and The Clayco Foundation: to fund the work that no one else would.

Five years ago, there were virtually no drug candidates for RVCL. Today, thanks to sustained research at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan, that has changed. Dr. Jonathan Miner, Dr. Nouri Neamati, and their teams have pushed RVCL research further than it has ever been — developing promising drug candidates and approaches that are expanding what’s possible in treatment.

What made the difference wasn’t one breakthrough moment. It was long-term collaboration, charitable donations that filled critical gaps, and the kind of quiet, persistent dedication that rarely makes headlines but drives real progress — in RVCL and beyond.

There is still important work ahead, but the direction is clearer than it has ever been. The researchers haven’t stopped. Neither will we.

Today, team members from , , and are proud to roll up their sleeves and take part in the Women’s Build 2025!

Our very own Melissa Mazrim and Jen Nichols are on-site today—getting their hands dirty, swinging hammers, and helping build a home that will support local women on their journey to homeownership.

There’s still plenty of time to support their efforts and make a difference! Every donation helps empower more women to achieve the dream of owning a home.

🔗https://www.habitatchicago.org/get-involved/volunteer/build-site/women-build