A Minnesota athlete’s push for rare genetic heart research

The Brief

  • The Stern family founded the RareDNA Foundation to raise awareness about PPA2 deficiency.
  • There are only roughly 60 known cases of this ultra-rare mutation.
  • The nonprofit has partnered with the University of Minnesota with plans to launch groundbreaking stem-cell research.

A family is turning a terrifying diagnosis into purpose.

The Stern family from Maple Grove is taking on a mission to help advance research for a rare genetic heart disease.

Ultra-rare mutation

The backstory:

Claire Stern and her mom, Sheila Stern, co-founded the RareDNA Foundation after Claire had gone from being a D-1 athlete to having to hang up her basketball shoes.

Story continues

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