Support Dan's Pediatric Research Dream at Cambridge

As a driven 2024 UNC graduate, I, Dan Tsuma, have an extraordinary opportunity to pursue a master's in Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge – a rare chance to develop pioneering treatments for mt-aaRS disease, a merciless neurological disorder afflicting children across the globe. However, the colossal cost of £58,050 ($73,106) for this program threatens to derail my dream of making a lasting impact for these underserved pediatric patients before it begins. I humbly seek your support to undertake this unparalleled educational and research experience that could revolutionize therapies, instilling hope in the many patients and families devastated by currently untreatable conditions.

Let's Make It Happen!

The goal of this fundraiser is to raise at least $23,447 or £18,625 by July 31st, 2024 to cover the living costs and maintenance fees set by the University of Cambridge for postgraduate admission. If this goal is not reached and I am unable to attend Cambridge, the funds raised will be strictly set aside to help finance my medical school education. However, I'm confident that with your support, we can reach or even exceed this crucial goal and secure a place for an exceptional educational opportunity. Every contribution counts towards making this dream a reality!

My Story

My burning passion to help improve the lives of children affected by brain and neurological disorders traces back to a pivotal moment in my freshman year of high school when I was struck by a car as a pedestrian. The aftermath left me with severe injuries — severe road burns, lacerations, and brain damage. Amid the sterile walls of Children's National Main Hospital in Washington, DC, I fought for my life, surrounded by uncertainty and pain. Yet, it was within those walls that my fascination with medicine and science, particularly in the realm of pediatrics, was born.

During my time at UNC Chapel Hill, I've been privileged to conduct research on neurological disorders affecting children in the Philpot Lab at the UNC School of Medicine and provide direct clinical care to children with similar conditions at UNC Children's Hospital. These experiences, though separate, solidified my desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of children with neurological disorders.

Last fall, I took a leap of faith and applied to a master's program in Clinical Neurosciences at the prestigious University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England. I am fortunate to have been accepted into the 1-year program at Cambridge, where I will join a clinical research team working on amino acid treatments for mt-aaRS disease, a rare neurological disorder that hundreds of children suffer from. This presents an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bridge my neuroscience research and clinical interests at a world-renowned institution. However, the financial burden is overwhelming. The total cost of tuition, housing, travel, and fees stands at a daunting £58,050 ($73,106). For me and my family, this cost seems like an insurmountable obstacle.

My dream is to become a compassionate and capable physician-scientist dedicated to developing novel treatments for children struggling with rare neurological disorders. This master's experience is not just an investment for my upcoming year; it's a foundation for my entire future. It promises unparalleled training, immersive clinical research experience, and a robust network that will equip me with the expertise to tackle the grand challenges ahead.

Your donation, regardless of size, is a lifeline that moves me closer to this life-changing opportunity. I humbly ask you to invest in my education and this crucial work. A gift today keeps alive my dream of making a positive difference for countless children, families, and communities impacted by these devastating conditions with no existing treatments. Together, we can catalyze pioneering research that holds the potential to revolutionize treatments and instill hope in those burdened by neurological diseases.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity. With your help, I can pay it forward through an education that creates a ripple effect of healing and hope!

Financial Breakdown

The total cost for tuition, housing, fees, and travel is £58,050 ($73,106). This breaks down as:

£37,458 ($47,159) for the University Composition Fee, covering teaching, supervision, and access to university facilities

£18,625 ($23,447) for living/maintenance costs

Approximately £1,180 ($1,500) for student visa application and NHS fees

Around £787 ($1,000) for direct flights to and from Cambridge

Contact

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dantsuma