Once Upon A Gene

Effie Parks
  • 5.0 (274)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Once Upon A Gene

As a new parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome, I was lost. There was no guide. There was no rulebook. This was not what I had imagined. As I navigated my way through this new reality, I realized something that should have been simple, but was not. A truth that had always been there, but that I had lost sight of for a time - I am not alone. And neither are you. These are the stories of my family, and of families like ours. These are the stories of how we have persevered, cried, bonded, and grown. These are the stories of children who have been told that they cannot, and that have proved the world wrong.

  1. 6H AGO

    How a Service Dog Helped a Child with CACNA1C-Related Disorder (Timothy Syndrome) Gain Independence – with Sue Bresnahan

    Service dogs are often associated with guiding the blind or assisting with mobility, but their impact goes far beyond traditional roles. In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Bresnahan, a pediatric nurse and rare mom, whose son has CACNA1C-related disorder (Timothy Syndrome). When they welcomed Yammy, his service dog, into their family, everything changed. Yammy didn’t just provide companionship—he unlocked a level of independence and confidence that Sue never imagined possible for her son. Sue shares their journey, the process of getting a service dog, and why families of kids with disabilities should consider this life-changing support. If you’ve ever wondered how a service dog could help a child beyond the traditional reasons, this episode is for you. In This Episode, We Discuss: ✔️ Sue’s journey as a rare mom and navigating CACNA1C-related disorder (Timothy Syndrome) ✔️ The unexpected ways service dogs can support kids with disabilities ✔️ How Yammy transformed her son’s independence and confidence ✔️ The process of getting and training a service dog ✔️ What families should know before pursuing a service dog ✔️ Overcoming challenges and misconceptions about service dogs ✔️ Advice for families considering a service dog Resources & Links: 📌 Learn more about CACNA1C-related disorder (Timothy Syndrome) 📌 Service Dog Organizations & Resources - ECAD 📌 Connect with Sue Bresnahan - Instagram 📌 Want to support Once Upon a Gene? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts & share this episode!

    32 min
  2. Unlocking Rare Disease Diagnoses with PacBio’s Long-Read Sequencing – A Conversation with CEO Christian Henry

    FEB 27

    Unlocking Rare Disease Diagnoses with PacBio’s Long-Read Sequencing – A Conversation with CEO Christian Henry

    I’m joined by Christian Henry, CEO of PacBio, a company leading the way in high-accuracy long-read sequencing. We break down what that means in simple terms, how this technology is helping families solve their diagnostic odyssey, and why some genetic tests miss key information that PacBio can detect. Plus, if you've already had whole genome sequencing without finding an answer, Christian explains why it might be time to take another look. We also dive into the future of genetic testing, what needs to change for sequencing to become a routine part of medical care, and how families and advocates can help drive progress forward. This episode is all about hope, science, and the relentless pursuit of answers. Happy Rare Disease Day, and thank you for being part of this incredible community! Topics Covered: ✅ What is long-read sequencing, and how is it different from traditional genetic testing? ✅ How PacBio’s technology is solving rare disease mysteries faster and more accurately. ✅ Why some families don’t get answers from whole genome sequencing—and why they should consider trying again. ✅ The biggest barriers to making genetic testing more accessible and routine in rare disease care. ✅ How long-read sequencing could help lead to future treatments, not just diagnoses. ✅ What the next five years of genomic sequencing could look like. ✅ How rare disease families and advocacy groups can collaborate with PacBio to accelerate discoveries. Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about PacBio and long-read sequencing: https://www.pacb.com/ 🔗 Follow PacBio on X: @PacBio 🔗 More about Rare Disease Day: www.rarediseaseday.org 💬 Join the Conversation! Have you been on a diagnostic odyssey? Have questions about genetic testing? Share your thoughts and experiences with me on Instagram 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you love the show, leave a review—it helps more rare disease families find these conversations. 💙

    34 min

  3. FEB 20

    Prioritizing Caregiver Health: Gut Health, Stress, and Sustainable Wellness for Parents of Kids with Disabilities – with Integrative Health Practitioner & CTNNB1 Mom, Fraser Bridgeman

    As caregivers, we give everything to our kids—but where does that leave us? Burnt out, exhausted, and running on fumes. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t even know where to start when it comes to your own health, this episode is for you. I’m talking with Fraser Bridgeman, a fellow CTNNB1 mom and a functional integrative health practitioner, about the small but powerful changes we can make to support our own well-being. Fraser understands the unique challenges rare disease caregivers face—chronic stress, poor sleep, inflammation, and running on adrenaline for years at a time. She’s sharing practical, realistic ways to prioritize your health so you can show up for your child without running yourself into the ground. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ The most common health issues caregivers face (and how stress affects the gut, sleep, and hormones) ✨ How to make small, sustainable changes—even when you’re overwhelmed ✨ Easy food swaps to support energy, gut health, and stress resilience ✨ Practical ways to improve sleep and manage cortisol levels ✨ How movement, breathwork, and mindfulness can help regulate a taxed nervous system ✨ The mindset shift that will help you prioritize your own health without guilt Listen now and take the first step toward caring for yourself—because you matter, too. Follow Fraser on Instagram Fraser's Integrative Health Website

    45 min

  4. JAN 30

    Breaking the Silence: Growing Up with Sickle Cell, Facing Pain, and Finding Strength Through Advocacy with James Griffin

    In this powerful episode of Once Upon a Gene, I sit down with James Griffin, author of Breaking Silence: Living With Sickle Cell Anemia. Diagnosed at just two years old, James spent much of his life keeping his condition a secret, fearing how others would perceive him. He faced excruciating pain, hospitalizations, and the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness—all while navigating school, friendships, and a world that often didn’t understand his struggles. Now, as an advocate and author, James is using his voice to raise awareness, empower others with sickle cell disease, and push for better care, research, and understanding. In this conversation, he shares what it was like growing up with sickle cell, the language he’s learned to use in emergency rooms to be taken seriously, and how he found the courage to finally open up about his diagnosis. Whether you or a loved one are affected by sickle cell disease, or you simply want to hear an inspiring story about resilience and advocacy, this episode is for you.

    33 min

  5. JAN 23

    Lighting the Way: A Story of Love, Friendship, and Finding New Dreams - CERT1 w/ Samantha & Wesley Rogers

    In this inspiring episode of Once Upon a Gene, I sit down with Samantha and Wesley Rogers, founders of Lottie’s Light Foundation, and proud parents of the incredible Lottie, who lives with a CERT1 mutation. The Rogers share the heartfelt story of how their journey with Lottie led to the creation of a foundation dedicated to empowering families, fostering connections, and encouraging others to find strength in the face of challenges. We explore how their mission encourages fighting for meaningful friendships, dreaming new dreams, and discovering untapped capacity for love and purpose. This conversation will leave you uplifted, motivated, and ready to celebrate the light that shines in every rare journey. Highlights: The heartfelt origin story of Lottie’s Light Foundation. Insights into Lottie’s personality, resilience, and the joy she brings to those around her. How the foundation inspires families to fight for friendships and redefine their dreams. Samantha and Wesley’s advice on finding your capacity in the hardest moments. Tips for building friendships and community in the rare disease world. A reminder of the power of community and the importance of showing up for Rare Disease Day. Mentioned in This Episode: Lottie’s Light Foundation Website Rare Disease Day 2025 in San Diego – Event details coming soon! Tips for building friendships and community in the rare disease world. Call to Action: Let’s spread the light! Share this episode with your friends and community to celebrate the resilience, strength, and brilliance of the rare disease journey. If you’re in San Diego or feeling adventurous, join us for Rare Disease Day 2025! Details coming soon. As always, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to Once Upon a Gene. Your support helps bring these powerful stories to more ears!

    39 min
  6. Preconception & Prenatal Genetic Testing 101: A Conversation with Genetic Counselor, Natalie Richheimer

    JAN 16

    Preconception & Prenatal Genetic Testing 101: A Conversation with Genetic Counselor, Natalie Richheimer

    In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Richheimer, a genetic counselor at JScreen, to dig into the world of preconception and prenatal genetic testing. We explore the basics of carrier screening, how to interpret results, and the importance of genetic counseling for both new and experienced parents—especially those who already have a child with a rare disease. Natalie also sheds light on Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) and offers insight into talking with family members about genetic risks and results. Throughout our chat, Natalie emphasizes that knowledge truly is power when it comes to family planning and navigating the complexities of genetic information. We discuss strategies for deciding between natural pregnancy, IVF with genetic screening, and other alternatives, helping you feel more confident and informed about your options. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or seeking clarity in the midst of it, this episode offers valuable perspectives and heartfelt advice. Join us as we learn how to take charge of our genetic health and family-planning decisions with compassion and confidence. Finally, don’t forget about the Once Upon a Gene Revival—an uplifting event designed to support, educate, and connect rare disease caregivers. Registration is open now on my website. Links: JScreen Genetic Testing Instagram Once Upon A Gene Revival

    43 min
  7. Transforming Pediatric Rare Disease Research: Dr. Ramin Eskandari on Neurosurgery, Biorepositories, and Empowering Families and Medical Teams to Save Residual Samples

    JAN 9

    Transforming Pediatric Rare Disease Research: Dr. Ramin Eskandari on Neurosurgery, Biorepositories, and Empowering Families and Medical Teams to Save Residual Samples

    Show Notes: Transforming Pediatric Rare Disease Research with Dr. Ramin Eskandari In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ramin Eskandari, a pediatric neurosurgeon at MUSC who is revolutionizing rare disease research through his innovative work with biorepositories. Dr. Eskandari shares how his dedication to helping children and families has driven him to create a system that collects and preserves valuable CNS samples—residual materials that would otherwise be discarded. We discuss the incredible impact of these efforts on the future of rare disease therapeutics and how families can play an active role in advancing research. Highlights: Dr. Eskandari’s Path to Pediatric Neurosurgery The Inspiration Behind the Biorepository Project What Are Biorepositories and Why They Matter Advocating for Residual Sample Collection Overcoming Challenges in Setting Up a Biorepository Data Sharing and Expanding Access Scaling This Initiative to Other Institutions Links: Combined Brain The Medical University of South Carolina

    40 min

  8. JAN 2

    Eight Years of Searching: A Determined Family’s Quest to Cure an Ultra-Rare CLCN6 Mutation with Kristin & Paul Purdy

    Links & Resources: Follow Their Journey on Social Media Facebook: Paxtons Pioneers Instagram: Paxtons_Pioneers KCAL News Story Watch the in-depth feature on their family’s advocacy here: KCAL Rare Disease Coverage

    32 min
See All (333)

Trailer

5
out of 5
274 Ratings

About

As a new parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome, I was lost. There was no guide. There was no rulebook. This was not what I had imagined. As I navigated my way through this new reality, I realized something that should have been simple, but was not. A truth that had always been there, but that I had lost sight of for a time - I am not alone. And neither are you. These are the stories of my family, and of families like ours. These are the stories of how we have persevered, cried, bonded, and grown. These are the stories of children who have been told that they cannot, and that have proved the world wrong.

Information

  • Creator
    Effie Parks
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    333
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 - 2022 Effie Parks
  • Show Website
    Once Upon A Gene

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada