Danike Marais - Retinal Dystrophy Fund
Started a yr ago
Open end-date
About This Campaign
A light at the end of the tunnel
My name is Danike Marais a 22-year-old student. I am currently in my 5th year of Veterinary Science studies and busy with my practical clinics training. As you might know - in July 2024 my whole life as I knew it changed when I received my diagnosis of Retinal Dystrophy that were later further classified as Cone-Rod Dystrophy (CRD) and now being seen as a visually impaired/disabled person.
What is CRD?
After genetic testing, together with all other medical tests done, it is confirmed that my CRD is caused by an autosomal dominant gene mutation on the CRX-gene, but what does this mean?
Autosomal dominant CRX cone-rod dystrophy is a hereditary retinal degeneration where mutations in the CRX gene impair photoreceptor survival (in other words my CRX gene can’t produce the needed nutrients for my rods and cones to keep them alive).
It starts with cone loss (central, colour vision) and progresses to rod loss (night/peripheral visio...
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