Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Alliace's Vision and Mission: Improve patient's lives by accelerating reasearch, fostering international collaborations, and providing quality educational and awareness materials. Vision & Mission A Cure for SDS A Cure for SDS From the Founder, Dr. Eszter Hars, February 2020 “Mom, why do I have SDS? Why can’t I be like everyone else?” my daughter asks me… Imagine a world where SDS could just go away, life could be normal, and we could live without the fear that another shoe is going to drop… How can we get there? As a Molecular Biology PhD, a biotech executive, and the Mother of a sweet 6-year-old girl with SDS, I ponder this question every day. What is SDS? Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare disease that affects many parts of the body. Like many patients with SDS, my daughter has problems digesting and absorbing food. When she was little, every time she had my milk, she would be in so much pain that she would scream for hours, arching her back in agony. Can you imagine what that feels like to a mother? Even today, getting her to eat and grow is a constant struggle. Typical for SDS patients, my daughter also has a compromised immune system, which means a fever from a common cold can turn into a trip to the emergency room, or worse. On top of that, many SDS patients have skeletal problems. Some need their rib cages surgically expanded, just so they can breathe. Worst of all, SDS patients face a very high risk of developing leukemia at a young age―30% by age 30. Unlike leukemia in normal kids, which can be treated, leukemia in SDS patients is inevitably fatal. There is no treatment currently. It’s like living with a ticking time bomb. To mitigate the risk of leukemia, the current standard of care is bone marrow biopsy every year. The hope is to find pre-cancer clones early enough so that leukemia development can be stopped using bone marrow transplantation preemptively. However, bone marrow transplantation is a brutal process―it is a dangerous year-long ordeal and has serious long-term side effects. Bone marrow transplantation is really a last resort. Even so, biopsies cannot always catch bad clones, and bone marrow transplantation often fails to stop leukemia. A Cure for SDS What if therapy could be developed to stop blood cells from going bad and prevent leukemia development in the first place? Such therapy would correct the underlying problems of SDS and give us confidence that the bone marrow biopsy results would come back okay. We might not need bone marrow biopsy anymore! With such therapy, we would no longer have to worry about leukemia; we could expect our kids to have a normal life, as if SDS had just gone away; we could attend their graduation, dance at their wedding, and see their family grow... How wonderful would that be!? I believe that such therapy is nearly at hand. The science is there, and there are many types of therapies that can possibly get us there. These therapies have been applied successfully to several rare diseases: Sirolimus (repurposed drug) for Castleman disease Libmeldy (gene therapy) for metachromatic leukodystrophy Spinraza (antisense oligonucleotide drug) for spinal muscular atrophy Zokinvy (small molecule drug) for progeria Luxturna (gene therapy) for congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa Many more are in clinical trials (for severe combined immune deficiency, sickle cell anemia, and Fanconi anemia). Why isn’t it available for SDS? Therapy development is a complicated process that involves scientific research, disease modeling, drug development, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and patient participation. It requires many areas of expertise. We are very fortunate to have outstanding researchers and doctors who dedicate their careers to SDS, but there are still many gaps that they alone cannot overcome. The problem has to do with how medical research is funded. Before a researcher can start doing research, (s)he has to apply for a grant from a funding agency, which in the U.S. is primarily the National Institute of Health (NIH). The grant application process can take years and in the end, fewer than 10% of the applications get funded. A critical component of a successful application is early data, because the data demonstrate that the research plan is likely to succeed, and that the researchers have the ability to carry out the project. The problem with SDS research is that most researchers have never heard of SDS, let alone have sufficient data to get government grants. No data; no grant. And with no grant funding, there will be no research or early data. It’s a catch 22. Together, we can make it happen! We established the SDS Alliance to break this vicious cycle and enable therapy development. Our strategy is to: Provide seed funding to highly selected experts and help them generate early data to get government grants. Provide bridge funding to top researchers between government grants to keep research going. Partner with research institutions and companies to develop essential tools for therapy development. Organize patients to participate in research and clinical trials to enable new therapy development. Remember the successful therapies that I mentioned above? Every one of them is a direct result of these actions. The strategy works. All we have to do is replicate the success for SDS! When we succeed, we will be able to live freely without the fear of leukemia, and life will be normal as if SDS had gone away! The path is tried-and-true and YOU have the power to get us there. We need to take action NOW, because leukemia won’t wait. Please donate today. Let’s make it happen! Why isn't it available? Togethe we can make it happen! Donate

Your support helped us create and publicise the patient voice and research tools and infrastructure to enable and accelerate tehrapy development for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Here are some highlights. SDS Alliance Publications Your support helped us create and publicise the patient voice and research tools and infrastructure to enable and accelerate tehrapy development for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Here are some highlights. Publications in Peer Peviewed Journals From Challenge to Opportunity: How Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Became a Promising Target for Therapy Development. Hars ES, McReynolds LJ.Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Dec;116(6):1377-1380. doi: 10.1002/cpt.3393. Epub 2024 Jul 22.PMID: 39039619 Click here for context Posters & Presentations at Scientific Conferences Our poster on SDS-GPS at the International Scientific Congress on Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome in Cincinnati, OH, June 2025. Publications about us and our work Case Study about our work and impact, published as part of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Rare as One, Impact Report . Published online October 2025.

Patient-friendly overview of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome: clinical presentation and underlying cause. What is SDS or Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome SDS is a genetic disorder. It affects many parts of the body. You can't catch it from someone who has it. It is due to typos in the DNA, inherited from the parents. SDS affects each person differently, with changes over time. Frequently observed symptoms include: Digestive system problems and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency ➜ pain, malnutrition, slowed growth, failure to thrive, feeding issues, elevated liver enzymes Immune system problems and neutropenia ➜ frequent or serious infections, urgent hospital visits Problems with the bones and skeletal system ➜ hip/knee pain and possible restricted breathing, small stature Brain and cognitive issues ➜ learning and behavioral challenges at home and school Problems with the blood-forming system (bone marrow) ➜ bone marrow failure, low blood counts, and high risk of developing blood cancer/leukemia (e.g. MDS/AML) ➜ need for monitoring with frequent blood draws, bone marrow biopsies; some (but not all) will need a stem cell transplant. The blood-related issues are of particular concern and can be life-threatening. About 1 in 3 SDS patients develop leukemia (AML) by age 30, with a very poor prognosis. The prevention of this complication is our focus. Learn More Free Testing In SDS, a typo in the DNA prevents the creation of enough ribosomes in the cells. With not enough ribosomes, the cells in the body cannot make enough protein - one of the major building blocks of life. Ribosomes are huge protein complexes themselves that make all proteins in our cells by assembling amino acid chains, like hands building towers of Lego blocks. If we don’t have enough ribosomes, our cells struggle to make all the proteins - including enzymes - we need to live and thrive. No wonder that so many organ systems are affected. More Science Kids' Corner

A comprehensive resource for SDS Patients and Families to learn all about Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, science, research, drug development, and more, in a variety of formats to facilitate learning. Knowledge is power. The Science Behind SDS SDS Key Concepts Series Formerly "Spotlights". 10-minute videos on key concepts in SDS and research SDS Science Spotlight: The Genetics of Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) This spotlight video on the genetics of SDS summarizes all the basics you need to know about the genetics and inheritance of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, in an easy-to-understand format. SDS Science Spotlight: Clones and Clonal Hematopoiesis in Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS). This spotlight video on clones in SDS introduces the concept of clonal hematopoiesis, as relevant to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, in an easy-to-understand format. SDS Science Spotlight: What are Ribosomes and what is their Role in Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS)? This spotlight video on Ribosomes and SDS explains what Ribosomes are and how they relate to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, in an easy-to-understand format. SDS Science Spotlight: What are Humanized Mouse Models and why are they important for Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) therapy development? This spotlight video on Humanized Mouse Models for SDS explains what mouse models are, what new models are needed, and insights into the SDS Alliance and The Jackson Laboratory collaboration to move Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome therapy development. Gene Therapy for SDS An Interactive Guide for Patients and Families Ask an Expert - Community Chat Online Monthly Webinar Series Posted recordings Ask an Expert: Dr. Valentino Bezzerri on Ataluren and Progress in Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) This video on Ataluren and SDS explains how this nonsense suppressor drug works and the status of research as it relates to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Ask an Expert: Dr. Lisa McReynolds on Clones, Germline and Somatic Mutations, and why they matter for Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) This video on Clones and Somatic Mutations in SDS explains the concept of clonal hematopoiesis and why it is so important in Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Ask an Expert: Dr. Jean Donadieu on the New French National Protocol for Shwachan-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) This video on the new French national protocol for SDS explains what it is, how it came to be, and its benefits to the care of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome patients. SDS Spotlight and Research Blogs The blogs to keep you in the loop about the latest developments Patient Voices Needed to Shape Gene Therapy for SDS — Two Opportunities to Make It Count SDS Alliance has launched a gene therapy perspectives survey on SDS-GPS. Learn why patient input matters at this stage of research and how to participate — including the GeneTX interview study at St. Jude. New Resources for School Success with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome — and How You Can Help Build More SDS Alliance launches a free personalized school letter tool and comprehensive school guide for students with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome — built by and for the SDS community. How YOU can help move gene therapy forward for SDS Gene therapy for SDS is advancing. Learn what's being developed, why base and prime editing matter, and how your perspective can shape what comes next. 1 2 3 4 5 From around the web: Science & Medicine for Kids and Adults Insightful resources about the basics, relevant to SDS and research Also check out our Kids' Corner for additional resources for children! Genes and Inheritance Genetic Testing (Applications and Techniques) Cell and Gene Therapy and CRISPR The American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy has some fantastic resources to help patients understand what cell and gene therapy is. Check out their recourses (videos, graphics, etc) on the Gene Therapy 101 page. The Immune System Cell Biology and Ribosomes Blood, MDS, and Blood Cancer / Leukemia Bone Marrow / Haematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant Neutropenia (Impact) Neutrophils (Science) Pancreas and Digestion Therapy Development process

Join our mailing list as the first step to join our Global Network and community. You will receive a personalized welcome email with resources, newsletters, and updates every 2-3 months. Join our Mailing List and Global Network We take your privacy very seriously. We never sell or share your information outside our organization, and only use your information to customize our communications to fit your needs. You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking on the link at the bottom of the emails, or by contacting us via email at connect@sdsalliance.org .

Patient Advocacy and Partneting Summit. The first, global, virtual event designed to engage all stakeholders and provide meaningful education and networking opportunities to patients, scientist, medical providers, industry representatives and regulatory stakeholders. POPS Global Patient Advocacy and Partnering Summit The first global, virtual, meeting of its kind to provide patients, caregivers, scientists, physicians, and all other stakeholders with an opportunity to connect and discuss all things related to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome research and advocacy. REGISTER HERE! Registration is now closed. To access the recordings, log in to the meeting platform (below). For assistance or to request access, email Ashley Ferreira at outreach@SDSAlliance.org. Agenda Tentative, subject to change. All times in ET (New York Time) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Networking Breakout rooms with prompts to help build connections. All attendees and speakers welcome! 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Welcome and Patient Stories Welcome by Dr. Eszter Hars ➲ Mother of an SDS Patient, President & CEO, SDS Alliance Featuring three SDS community members Gracie Van Brunt , Musician/Songwriter with SDS ➲ Lisa Superina , Mother of two children with SDS ➲ Julie Martindale , Mother of a teen son with SDS ➲ 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM Lunch Break See you back here in a few! 12:20 PM - 12:45 PM Reflections from the Scientific Congress The 10th International Scientific Congress on Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome took place this April in Cambridge, UK. Dr. Eszter Hars ➲ had the privilege to attend as a parent and will share with you a high-level overview of public information with context from published literature. We won't share any unpublished results or private discussions, of course. 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM Therapeutic Targets Introduction by Dr. Eszter Hars ➲ Featured Experts: Dr. Christian Brendel ➲ DNA Targeting and Gene Therapy Approaches Dr. Valentino Bezzerri ➲ RNA and RNA-Based Targeting Approaches Speaker TBD Protein and Ribosome Biogenesis Targeting Approaches 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM Coffee Break See you back here in a few! 2:00 PM - 2:40 PM How to make the Patient Voice count Overview by Dr. Eszter Hars ➲ Featured Expert: Dr. Alexandre Bétourné ➲ The Importance, Challenges, and Impact of Data Sharing in Rare Disease 2:40 PM - 2:45 PM Closing Remarks A summary of the Summit, with opportunities to get involved at every level. 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM Networking A fun activity for all to connect. All attendees and speakers welcome! Speakers In alphabetical order Dr. Alexandre Bétourné Alexandre Bétourné, Ph.D., Pharm.D., is Executive Director for the Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform initiative and previously served as its Scientific Director. Dr. Bétourné works with the RDCA-DAP team to expand its reach into new diseases areas accessing new data and enhancing C-Path’s relationships within the rare disease community. He holds both a PhD and a PharmD from the University of Toulouse in France, has three patents, and has written multiple papers that intersect with several different rare disease areas. Before joining C-Path, he led a team of senior U.S. scientists, CMC and regulatory consultants at a small company developing therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dr. Valentino Bezzerri Dr. Valentino Bezzerri is Principal Investigator, Cystic Fibrosis Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Italy. His research interest is mainly focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS), specifically in regards to the Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. In addition, my group is investigating the effect of PTC-readthrough inducer drugs (e.g. ataluren) on the restoration of nonsense mutated SBDS gene expression and function. Dr. Christian Brendel Dr. Christian Brendel is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Brendel’s research focuses on gene therapy for inherited diseases of the blood system. He contributed to the development and clinical translation of lentiviral gene therapies for X-CGD and Sickle Cell Disease, and his current research includes genome editing and the design of new delivery tools to make future gene therapies safer, more effective and accessible. Dr. Eszter Hars Dr. Eszter Hars, Mother of an SDS patient, and Founder/President/CEO/Science Director of the Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Alliance. Dr. Hars holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where she studied cancer and leukemia. She has over 20 years of experience in scientific research and the biotech industry. As VP of Regulatory Affairs at CytoVera Inc., a lab equipment developer for hematopoeitic stem cell banking, Dr. Hars was in charge of regulatory approval of medical devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Hars has also managed business development as well as customer relationships at Quosa Inc., an information technology company, which was acquired in 2012 by Elsevier, the largest scientific publisher in the world. Currently, Dr. Hars is President of a biotech startup that specializes in developing new tools for various new therapies, including CAR-T cell cancer therapy and beta cell replacement therapy for diabetes. Dr. Hars has been engaged in SDS community building and volunteering wherever possible, since her daughter was diagnosed with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) in 2015. In 2020, Dr. Hars founded the SDS Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through the SDS Alliance, Dr. Hars is dedicated to accelerating the development of new therapies for SDS. Julie Martindale Julie Martindale is the parent of Elijah, a 17 year old with SDS. Along with her husband Mark, they have raised 11 children, many who have medical complexities. Julie has worked to assure our children's stories are told and never forgotten. She holds a bachelors degree in psychology and two years advanced training in child welfare. Lisa Superina Lisa lives on Long Island, New York, with her husband and four daughters. Her two youngest daughters, Nora and Kayla, were genetically diagnosed with SDS after an extensive diagnosis journey - read their story, here. Lisa is a Special Education Teacher at Half Hollow Hills High School West in Dix Hills, New York. She has certifications from Birth-12th grade in Special Education, General Education, and English Language Arts and has a master's degree in Literacy. Lisa is passionate about helping the SDS community by supporting research and helping families advocate for their children. She jumped into action on the very same day her first child was diagnosed, raising funding, researching resources, and connecting with SDS families everywhere, and has not stopped ever since. Her drive and creativity have inspired countless other families to engage and she is an unstoppable positive driving force toward therapies and cures for people with SDS everywhere. In her role at the SDS Alliance, she helps find and support new SDS families, identify and offer new resources for families, and develop family educational materials and events. Gracie Van Brunt Gracie Van Brunt is a 28 year old singer/songwriter/topliner from Boston, MA. When she was two years old, she was diagnosed with a rare disease called Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome which affects her bone-marrow, skeleton and pancreas. There are an estimated 5,000 known cases world-wide. She spent the first 6 years of her life in and out of the hospital battling this illness and in 2019 received a bone-marrow transplant with her brother being her doner. Gracie started singing when she was 6 and writing when she was 12 and has written over 1,000 songs in her lifetime. After attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music and majoring in Songwriting for two years, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her songwriting and vocal career. She is now cementing her place in electronic music with her ethereal, yet sultry vocals and infectiously catchy lyricism. The acclaimed singer, songwriter, recording artist and vocal producer has garnered over 4 million streams across multiple genres, emerging as one of EDM’s most versatile and highly sought after vocalists. With the electronic genre of Drum & Bass on the rise, she is leading the charge in spreading drum and bass across the states, with her massive collaborations with DNB icons like “Deep Blue” with Kanine, which has almost 2 million streams, and “Alone” with Culture Shock, which has almost a million streams along with her most recent collaboration, “Commencement” with Dubstep Legend, 12th Planet. Gracie’s 2022 live festival performances include Insomniac’s Beyond Wonderland, Project Z and Lost in Dreams Festivals, as well as Excision’s Lost Lands Music Festival. She also performed “Live For The Highs” with GAWM to a sold out crowd at Exchange LA located in Los Angeles, California. Gracie continues to be an advocate not only in the Shwachman Diamond Syndrome Community, but in the rare disease community in general appearing on patient panels, supporting families looking for guidance and sharing her story through her music. She is the recipient of the 2013 Rare Champion of Hope Patient Advocacy Award, has performed at many different Rare Disease Conferences and Galas including multiple times at the Global Genes Conference and is an advocate for all SDS patients. Dr. Alexander Betourne Dr. Velentino Bezzerri Dr. Christian Brendel Dr. Eszter Hars Julie Martindale Lisa Superina Gracie Van Brunt Dr. Alan Warren

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome event from around the globe! SDS Community and Scientific Events Calendar September 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Upcoming Events Multiple Dates Global SDS Family Coffee Chat Mar 08, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Virtual event Monthly virtual get-together to build community and support. Share Details SDS PFDD Meeting (Externally-Led Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome) Jun 04, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Location is TBD The SDS PFDD meeting is a very special and unique opportunity for patients and families to come together and share our voices and stories with the purpose of accelerating research and improving care. The meeting is part of our "100 Voices to #CureSDS" campaign. Don't miss it! Share Details Community Webinar/Q&A about the SDS PFDD meeting planned for this summer Jan 23, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Zoom Share Details SDS POPS 2024: Patient AdvOcacy and Partnering Summit Oct 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM https://www.sdsalliance.org/sds-pops The only global, virtual meeting of its kind to provide patients, caregivers, scientists, physicians, and all other stakeholders with an opportunity to connect and discuss all things related to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome research and advocacy. Share Details Ask an Expert: Dr. Lisa McReynolds on Clones, Germline, and Somatic Mutations, and why they matter for SDS May 19, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT Virtual. Register at sdsalliance.org/cce Share Details SickKids 8th National Marrow Failure & Myelodysplasia (MFM) Patient and Family Virtual Conference Apr 13, 2024, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT free virtual event This meeting is for patients and families with bone marrow failure disorders and myelodysplastic syndrome, physicians, other health-care workers, fellows, residents and all others who are interested in the field. Children and adult patients are welcome. Share Details POPS: Global Patient Advocacy and Partnering Summit May 20, 2023, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT Virtual event The first global, virtual, meeting of its kind to provide patients, caregivers, scientist, physicians, and all other stakeholders access to the latest information on all things Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Share Details 10th International Congress on Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Apr 18, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT – Apr 21, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT Robinson College, Cambridge, UK, Grange Rd, Cambridge CB3 9AN, UK This Congress is held every other year in different locations throughout Europe and North America. It is the only scientific congress dedicated to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the event was postponed several times. Now scheduled for April 18-21, 2023! Share Details 4e journées des neutropénies (4th French National Neutropenia Days) Mar 24, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM GMT+1 Paris, Paris, France Nous vous invitons aux 4e journées des neutropénies qui se tiendront les vendredi 24 et samedi 25 mars prochain. Share Details SickKids Canada - National MFM Virtual Patient and Family Conference Apr 30, 2022, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT Virtual The National Marrow Failure & Myelodysplasia program at SickKids Canada is pleased to invite you to this interactive meeting. It is an ideal opportunity to learn, network with other families and meet experts in the field. Share Details Fun-Run-Walk October 2020 Oct 24, 2020, 7:00 AM EDT – Nov 01, 2020, 11:00 PM EST Virtual run/walk, location of your choice It's finally here: the first ever virtual global fun run/walk event to support Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) research! www.SDSAlliance.org/steps Share Details Postponed. New Date TBD. SDSF Family Conference at Camp Sunshine (ME, USA) Jul 12, 2020, 2:00 PM EDT – Jul 16, 2020, 10:00 AM EDT Camp Sunshine, Cosco, ME, USA, Cosco, ME SDSF (SDS Foundation) hosts a 6-day session at Camp Sunshine every other summer for SDS families to meet with each other and meet and learn from the top SDS experts in North America. Share Details Paint with us! Rare Disease Day Fundraiser for SDS, Metro Boston Feb 29, 2020, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST Painting with a Twist, North Andover, MA, 10 High St, North Andover, MA 01845, USA SDS Alliance partnered with Painting with a Twist in North Andover to host a painting event as a fundraiser. Share Details SDS Registry Family Day in Boston, MA, US Sep 15, 2019, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Boston, MA, Harvard Medical School Joseph B Martin Center 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur NRB 133 Boston, MA 02155 Celebrating the SDS Registry's 10th anniversary! Please join us for a complimentary day of education, connection, and fun! - Hear updates from the SDS Registry - Learn about exciting research - Discover cutting-edge clinical trials for SDS - Connect with other SDS families Share Details Past Events Multiple Dates Global SDS Family Coffee Chat Mar 08, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Virtual event Monthly virtual get-together to build community and support. Share Details SDS PFDD Meeting (Externally-Led Patient Focused Drug Development Meeting for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome) Jun 04, 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Location is TBD The SDS PFDD meeting is a very special and unique opportunity for patients and families to come together and share our voices and stories with the purpose of accelerating research and improving care. The meeting is part of our "100 Voices to #CureSDS" campaign. Don't miss it! Share Details Community Webinar/Q&A about the SDS PFDD meeting planned for this summer Jan 23, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Zoom Share Details SDS POPS 2024: Patient AdvOcacy and Partnering Summit Oct 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM https://www.sdsalliance.org/sds-pops The only global, virtual meeting of its kind to provide patients, caregivers, scientists, physicians, and all other stakeholders with an opportunity to connect and discuss all things related to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome research and advocacy. Share Details Ask an Expert: Dr. Lisa McReynolds on Clones, Germline, and Somatic Mutations, and why they matter for SDS May 19, 2024, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT Virtual. Register at sdsalliance.org/cce Share Details SickKids 8th National Marrow Failure & Myelodysplasia (MFM) Patient and Family Virtual Conference Apr 13, 2024, 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT free virtual event This meeting is for patients and families with bone marrow failure disorders and myelodysplastic syndrome, physicians, other health-care workers, fellows, residents and all others who are interested in the field. Children and adult patients are welcome. Share Details POPS: Global Patient Advocacy and Partnering Summit May 20, 2023, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM EDT Virtual event The first global, virtual, meeting of its kind to provide patients, caregivers, scientist, physicians, and all other stakeholders access to the latest information on all things Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Share Details 10th International Congress on Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Apr 18, 2023, 9:00 AM EDT – Apr 21, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT Robinson College, Cambridge, UK, Grange Rd, Cambridge CB3 9AN, UK This Congress is held every other year in different locations throughout Europe and North America. It is the only scientific congress dedicated to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the event was postponed several times. Now scheduled for April 18-21, 2023! Share Details 4e journées des neutropénies (4th French National Neutropenia Days) Mar 24, 2023, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM GMT+1 Paris, Paris, France Nous vous invitons aux 4e journées des neutropénies qui se tiendront les vendredi 24 et samedi 25 mars prochain. Share Details SickKids Canada - National MFM Virtual Patient and Family Conference Apr 30, 2022, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT Virtual The National Marrow Failure & Myelodysplasia program at SickKids Canada is pleased to invite you to this interactive meeting. It is an ideal opportunity to learn, network with other families and meet experts in the field. Share Details Fun-Run-Walk October 2020 Oct 24, 2020, 7:00 AM EDT – Nov 01, 2020, 11:00 PM EST Virtual run/walk, location of your choice It's finally here: the first ever virtual global fun run/walk event to support Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) research! www.SDSAlliance.org/steps Share Details Postponed. New Date TBD. SDSF Family Conference at Camp Sunshine (ME, USA) Jul 12, 2020, 2:00 PM EDT – Jul 16, 2020, 10:00 AM EDT Camp Sunshine, Cosco, ME, USA, Cosco, ME SDSF (SDS Foundation) hosts a 6-day session at Camp Sunshine every other summer for SDS families to meet with each other and meet and learn from the top SDS experts in North America. Share Details Paint with us! Rare Disease Day Fundraiser for SDS, Metro Boston Feb 29, 2020, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST Painting with a Twist, North Andover, MA, 10 High St, North Andover, MA 01845, USA SDS Alliance partnered with Painting with a Twist in North Andover to host a painting event as a fundraiser. Share Details SDS Registry Family Day in Boston, MA, US Sep 15, 2019, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM EDT Boston, MA, Harvard Medical School Joseph B Martin Center 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur NRB 133 Boston, MA 02155 Celebrating the SDS Registry's 10th anniversary! Please join us for a complimentary day of education, connection, and fun! - Hear updates from the SDS Registry - Learn about exciting research - Discover cutting-edge clinical trials for SDS - Connect with other SDS families Share Details

Resources for children to learn about and cope with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome in fun and supportive ways Kids' Corner Presented by Ribo & Somi, the Ribosome Superheroes! Hello friends! This page is just for you, the kids in the SDS community. We have collected many fun videos and printables for you to learn about SDS, science, and the community. Have fun and keep on learning! Love, Ribo & Somi Downloadables &Printables Tip for parents: Do you have a kids' event coming up? A birthday party or a rare disease / SDS event at school? The Hero Kids in the Making Coloring Book and the Ribo & Somi Coloring Calendar are available printed and assembled. Check out the order links below. Allow at least three weeks for shipping and handling, or contact us for custom needs at connect@SDSAlliance.org . A coloring book with a lovely story written by an SDS dad and illustrated by an SDS child, to help replace fear of hospital and doctors' visits with fun, adventure, and imagination. Read more about how Elijah inspired his dad to write this story and how the coloring book came about, here . Download a printable PDF (English, letter size) version or order printed booklets, here . Other formats and printed copies are available upon request by emailing connect@sdsalliance.org . Please allow several weeks for printing and shipping. Now also in Spanish!!!! Download a printable PDF (Spanish, letter size) version or order printed booklets, here . Ribo & Somi's Coloring Calendar for coloring and learning We are seeking volunteers to help with translations into any languages not already done. New! The 2024 edition is available in English for download or in print, here: English (letter size) Other languages and formats are available by emailing connect@SDSAlliance.org Currently available: Español Français Magyarul Svenska Books From our friends at the Immune Deficiency Foundation, free download and/free hard copies available. Mixed Bag Videos Learn about DNA, genes, and chromosomes. This great video about DNA is also available in Spanish and Arabic. Learn about bone marrow, blood cells, and the immune system Learn about the digestive system, liver, and pancreas

We created a beautiful documentary film "Until There's a Cure" about the SDS journeys of four wonderful families, providing a new way for researchers and regulators to relate to and understand what it's like to live with SDS. The film had a significant impact at our EL-PFDD meeting. Now, we would like to expand the film by weaving in the story of a fifth SDS family, and shed light on what we as a community can achieve when we work together. Join us. SDS Documentary Film: Until There's a Cure We created a beautiful documentary film - titled "Until There's a Cure" - about the SDS journeys of four wonderful families, providing a new way for friends, families, researchers, and regulators to relate to and understand what it's like to live with SDS. Each story is unique, yet represents common experiences in the SDS community. The film had a significant impact at our EL-PFDD meeting . Now, we would like to expand the film by weaving in the story of a fifth SDS family, and shed light on what we as a community can achieve when we work together. We invite you to invest in this communication tool to inspire more people to help us accelerate our strategy and roadmap and reach our goal of clinical trials by 2030. Together, we can move mountains. To stay in the loop, subscribe to our mailing list . To invest in this work of art and to help advance our mission of giving SDS families more birthdays to celebrate, please consider making a gift today, or join our work as a monthly supporter. Thank you for your dedication to our community. For additional donation and fundraising tools, such as DAFs, Crypto, and personalized Fundraising Pages, please visit our donation page .

Resources related to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome for patients' and their families Welcome to the Family You are not alone! This section of our website offers you - patients and their families - resources and support. Please use the menu on top. We are currently working on a comprehensive new patient guidebook, creating and updating information materials and brochures , and more tools for you to get empowered -- become an SDS expert, raise awareness, contribute your insights and experience, and more. Newly Diagnosed? What is SDS? Parent and Caregiver Resources The Science Behind SDS Adult Patient Resources Kids' Corner Patient & Family Stories Drive Research through SDS-GPS

It's finally here: the first ever virtual global fun run/walk event to support Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) research! After six years of counting steps together — and proving that this community can move mountains, one step at a time — we are relaunching our annual fundraiser as Step Up to #CureSDS , coming spring 2027 and launching on Rare Disease Day! This will give you plenty of time to plan ahead, form your team, and get ready to step up together. Watch for details during SDS Action Week, November 1–7. Fundraiser October 2020 Step Up to #CureSDS Annual Global Fundraiser The Event for You, Your Friends, Family, and Colleagues to Have Fun and Support Research. November 1-7, 2025! Note: This event has passed, and we are planning the next one. Let us know if you prefer spring or fall! Stay tuned! Anywhere (Virtual or Local if You Choose) Join the SDS Alliance's annual "Million Steps Closer" fun-run challenge fundraiser, a virtual event every fall. Turn hope into action and take steps to #CureSDS - you can walk, run, crawl, roll, swim, or lean back and support those who do by making a donation. The steps (and fitness) counting challenges are managed through a free app and are optional (see below). Register here! Team T-shirts Start or Join a Team! Support Research! This fundraiser is a fun and uplifting way to join us and make a difference. As always, 100% of funds raised from the community go to SDS research and infrastructure to accelerate therapy development, following our roadmap . By participating in this event, you are playing an integral part in driving progress! Roadmap Start a Team to Amplify Your Impact! Invite your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, or classmates to participate! Registration is free! See the instructions below to learn how you can set up a fundraising page for your child, yourself, or a loved one, and easily invite others to join in your fundraising efforts! Strat a Team Curious about past events? Check out the results of our 2024 , 2023, and 2022 Million Steps Closer to #CureSDS fundraiser! Watch Rebecca's Video on Fundraising Tips and Tricks This presentation was part of SDS POPS 2025. T-Shirts Get in the Team Spirit with Team T-Shirts! This year, you can choose between multiple designs. Design 1 celebrates the Million Steps fundraiser with a sneaker with wings Design 2 celebrates Global SDS Awareness Day and Action Week with a November 7 design Order by October 1st to receive it in time for the event! Both can be customized with your team name. Email us at connect@sdsalliance.org with your team name and color preference, and we will set up a custom campaign page for you to share with your team. Specify whether you would like to distribute the T-shirt yourself locally, of id team members should be able to order and get their purchase shipped to them. Order Design 1 Order Design 2 Email Us to Customize The Details When? November 1-7 Where? Virtual! Run/Walk/Roll wherever you like! Plus local events hosted by community members. What? Fun!!! Fundraise and Run/Walk/Roll in your community! Why? To build community and raise funds for SDS research! Register now! Join the SDS Alliance's annual fun run challenge fundraiser! This is a virtual event and will take place November 1-7, 2025, to coincide with the Global SDS Action Week and Awareness Day . Everyone is invited to turn hope into action and take steps to #CureSDS - you can walk, run, crawl, roll, swim, or lean back and support those who do by making a donation. The steps and run challenges - step counting, miles, and more - will be managed on the count.it app. Registered participants will receive detailed instructions on how to join and/or create teams via email in October. The main challenge will be step-counting during the week of the event. Let us know if you would like to see additional types of fitness challenges! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to participate! Registration is free! See the instructions below to learn how you can set up a fundraising page for your child, yourself, or a loved one, and easily invite others to join in your fundraising efforts! As always, 100% of funds raised from the community go to SDS research accelerating therapies, with no overhead! This year, we continue expanding the toolbox for SDS research and start to seed fund drug screens and development as part of our roadmap . Through fundraising and donations, you will play an integral part in driving progress! How to participate: Step 1. Register Register for the 5 Million Steps Closer to #CureSDS fun run by a) setting up a personal fundraising page (team), or b) supporting the fundraiser of your loved one! To set up a personal fundraising page (also known as a team), simply click "Start a Fundraiser" on our fundraising campaign page , follow the instructions, and customize it with your own content! Everyone loves to see photos of your SDS hero! Pro tip: Add a link to your custom T-shirt campaign from step 2! To register by supporting the fundraiser of your loved one, simply make a donation in any amount to their team/fundraising page! You may have already received the direct link to their page from them. If not, you can find the teams on the main fundraising page . Step 2. T-shirts (optional) Order the event T-shirt to get into the team spirit. We have general event T-shirts (see above ), AND we can create custom T-shirts customized with your team name. If you are a team captain, contact us to get your custom T-shirts up and running. Order by 10/01 to receive them in time for the event, and allow extra time for shipping outside the USA. Step 3. Spread the word Share your fundraising page via social media and email and start raising funds for SDS research! Expand your reach by asking family and friends to set up their own fundraisers or promote yours! Increase Awareness! Post photos with your family/friends during the event and let us know who you are running for! Use hashtag #StepsToCureSDS on all social media platforms! Step 4. Walk/run/roll... During the week of November 1-5, hook up your favorite tracker to the count.it app (instructions will be emailed to you) and start taking steps (walk, jog, roll, dance,...) to #CureSDS. Most importantly, have fun! Step 5. Get Rewards Your fundraising efforts are so important and impactful toward accelerating research for therapies and cures, we want to thank you and reward you for your efforts. Raise funds on your fundraising page and will send you the following*: Raise $50: Get a canvas tote bag* Raise $500: Get a tote bag, plus an awesome insulated stainless water bottle* Challenge winners in each category will get bragging rights and both gifts* above! *Items are subject to change, and we will reach out to you first to confirm your shipping address, preferences, and size. ~~~~~~~~~ Questions? Email us at connect@SDSAlliance.org

It's finally here: the first ever virtual global fun run/walk event to support Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) research! Fundraiser October 2020 STEPS Fundraiser 2023 October 1 -7, 2023 - virtual and local options Order your customized TEAM T-shirt or general event T-shirt by 9/15 to receive them on time for the event. (Allow extra time for shipping outside the USA). Welcome to the FOUR MILLION STEPS CLOSER TO #CURESDS fundraiser page. When? October 1-7th, 2023 Where? Virtual! Run/Walk/Roll wherever you like! Plus local events hosted by community members. What? Fun!!! Fundraise and Run/Walk/Roll in your community! Why? To build community and raise funds for SDS research! How? Register here ! With this fundraising campaign, we are raising funds to accelerate therapy and cure development for Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, a rare genetic cancer predisposition disorder that affects thousands of children and adults worldwide. Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Alliance's mission is to accelerate therapy development and a cure for SDS - in particular, to eliminate the deadly leukemia risk in SDS - in a time frame that matters to our children and thousands of SDS patients worldwide. Our focus is research and development: we raise funds for the most cutting-edge research, build collaborations globally, and invest in critical research tools (such as the mouse project) and infrastructure, now. Four million steps are certainly too much for any single person. But together, the steps add up. Together, we can get there! And just like that, the steps challenge is upon us! See the leaderboard in the count.it app or right here on this page. Instructions on how to join the steps challenge can be found below. Have fun and see you there! How to Join the Steps Challenge [A printable version of these instructions is available here ] Thank you for joining the Three Million Steps Closer to #CureSDS fundraiser by starting a fundraiser or making a gift. Now it’s time to get moving! In the time period between October 9th-14th, count your steps with your favorite device/app. You don’t have to buy a device if you don’t already have one! Most smartphones have built-in or free pedometers/step counting/fitness apps available, and using the leaderboard tool (Count.it) is free, too! How to Register to Participate in the Challenge The registration consists of either starting a fundraiser on our donation platform (here ) or making a donation on the same page. Please don't skip this step, as this is a fundraiser to support SDS research. Note: These instructions are automatically emailed to all registered participants. Please don't distribute these instructions to non-registered participants. How to join the Steps Challenge via Count.it We partnered with Count.it to power the challenge. The Count.it platform works with most popular fitness tracking apps, including Apple Health, Fitbit, Google Fit, Garmin, Strava, and RunKeeper. PRO TIP: iPhone users have Apple Health built-in. Most Android phones have Google Fit, or it can be downloaded here free of charge. How to join our #CureSDS Group on Count.it You can join our group (called #CureSDS) via the Count.it app or on the web. You can think of “group” sort of like an event. If you don't already use a fitness tracking app, it's great to get that set up first. Option A) Join via the count.it App! Download the count.it iOS app or Android app , click "Sign Up," and follow the prompts. When asked, click the "Join a Group" option. You will be prompted to enter our group invitation code. Group Invite Code: [f60c2a55]. Or, you can go back and click on your Group Invitation Link https://www.countit.com/invite?group=f60c2a55 again, and the count.it app should be able to add you to the correct group. Option B) Join on the Web! Simply click the invitation link https://www.countit.com/invite?group=f60c2a55 and follow the prompts to login or create an account if you are new to Count.it. If the link doesn't work, paste this URL into your web browser. Alternatively to the invitation code, you may be able to search or enter our group name. The group name is #CureSDS . How to join your favorite Team within the #CureSDS Group NOTE: Teams will only be available during the challenge period starting on October 9th!!! During onboarding, you will be prompted to join your team. Simply click the Join button to do so. If you don't see your team (which may happen at the beginning of the challenge period), don’t worry, you can join later. Your steps and other challenge contributions will add up to your team as soon as you join. To see all the Teams in your group, and join one, just go to your Settings >Teams page. All available Teams within our #CureSDS group are listed here, and you can join or leave simply by clicking the button to the right of the team name. Note for team captains: Our group allows "user generated" teams. You can create a new team by clicking the " + Add Team" link at the top right of the teams list. How to join the challenges NOTE: Challenges will only be available during the challenge period starting on October 9th!!! Once the challenges are active, your step counts will automatically be added up to the challenge and your team if you join one. You're done! Have fun! Since the event is virtual, there are plenty of safe options for observing any recommended COVID-19 precautions. You can even do the challenge at home. Questions / Comments? Contact us at the SDS Alliance: connect@sdsalliance.org or +1-617-329-1838. For technical questions, please first check out the Getting Started for Users and Count.it's General FAQ .