The Claire Aldrich Legacy fund

My name is Sally Aldrich. Our beautiful daughter, Claire, passed away in January of 2020 before she reached her first birthday.

Claire had an MRI done at six weeks old. It was normal. By eight months old, she had devastating damage to almost all her brain.

We don't know why.

We were told by the pICU Drs that based on the progression, Claire probably had 6 - 12 months to live.

She died 2 weeks later.

It was found that Claire did have the genetic mutation HIVEP2 - But there is not enough research on this mutation. We do not know if this mutation contributed to her death.

As I held Claire as she took her last breath, I promised her

I would make her proud. Her fierce little self could rest, and I would live for the both of us.

Her little life mattered.

As a broken family, we decided to work to heal. We welcomed twins (they came ten weeks early!), and we decided to move to New Zealand, so I could embark on my academic ambitions of becoming a physician.

But we wanted to do more. More for Claire, More for the community.

This is why we have established the Claire Aldrich Legacy at The University of Otago.

A main component of the Claire Aldrich Legacy is the 'Claire kit'.

Each kit will contain a brand new set of electrophoresis equipment, large enough for a class of up to 30 students, and information for teachers and paper and computer based activities to complement the practical experiment. As the Claire Aldrich Legacy fund grows, we will be able to extend the reach of our rare disease and other outreach resources, develop new materials and begin to support undergraduate students starting on their research journeys.

We don't want students just learning about genetics from a textbook. We want them to have a hands-on experience. To hear Claire's story and expose them to a whole new field of learning.

We strive to keep these kits free for schools to ensure that no student is disadvantaged in their learning of genetics.

We ask that you please consider a donation to help the continued development and upkeep of the Claire Kits.

We want to reach as many young minds of tomorrow as possible.

Every single dollar donated will go towards the Claire Aldrich Legacy.

How will your donation help?

$50 - Will pay for replacement parts necessary for the upkeep of the kits

$100 - Will pay for a kit to be sent to one school, for use by up to 4 classes

$500 - Will pay for the development of a new module to accompany our kits

$1000 - Will pay for a complete set of equipment needed for a new kit

$5000 - Will fund a 10-week summer research project for an undergraduate student.

We love you, beautiful Claire. With your spirit in our hearts, we will strive to encourage students to research. To explore. To find answers. To make discoveries.

Thank you so much,

Sally