A very special cause: GRIN2B

I’d like to introduce you to my friend, Liz, who represents the GRIN2B Foundation which is a very special cause associated with children. Liz and my husband worked together many years ago in the television industry. They’ve maintained their friendship for about 20 years now. When I started Revive Jewelry, Liz was quick to follow along on social media and from there we started to interact with each other. 

Earlier this year Liz reached out to me with an idea for a special set of jewelry. You see, Liz’s daughter has what’s called a GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder. Before I tell you about Liz’s special project, let’s talk a little bit about GRIN2B. (At the end, there's a bonus interview with Liz!)

What is GRIN2B?

GRIN2B is actually the name of a gene located on the 12th chromosome in human DNA. When this gene is missing or varied, it causes neurological developmental delays. Specifically, the gene functions, “to encode a protein that forms a receptor responsible for sending chemical messages to the brain. A variation on the GRIN2B gene means that some portion of this specific genetic code either got deleted, duplicated or rearranged.” While only a few hundred people worldwide are diagnosed with a GRIN2B Disorder at this time, that number might be much higher.

In order to determine if a child has a GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, a genetic test has to be done. And because many of the affects and behaviors associated with this disorder overlap with cerebral palsy and Autism, it is often misdiagnosed. 

Why is GRIN2B a special cause?

GRIN2B is a fairly new discovery and is still not understood clinically by the medical community. GRIN2B Foundation functions to both support the small community of families impacted by this disorder and to raise money to fund research which will, “lead to better care and treatments for all those with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder,” around the world.

When Liz’s daughter was diagnosed, along with her husband, Phil, they started researching and realized how little information there was for families and even the medical community. They decided to start GRIN2B Foundation to provide support and accessible resources for families, spread awareness and create a network of families and medical professionals who can move the mission towards understanding the GRIN2B disorder forward.

The Special Project

Marlana & Charles joined the GRIN2B Community after their daughter RayAh was born with GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder. Sweet little RayAh, passed away in early 2020. RayAh brought joy and smiles to everyone who came into her presence or gazed at her adoring photographs. Though her journey was brief, she had a lasting effect on the lives she touched. RayAh's parents, Marlana and Charlie, and her siblings are so grateful for the efforts to keep RayAh's voice alive.

“When Marlana told us about RayAh’s passing, all of us at GRIN2B Foundation were devastated. We knew we wanted to do something special to honor her memory, but none of our ideas felt right at first. And then I remembered Revive Jewelry and I knew this was the perfect way to honor RayAh.” - Liz Marfia-Ash

Introducing the GRIN2B Building Block Necklace & Earrings Set

To honor the memory of RayAh and continue to fund research for GRIN2B, I've created this gorgeous set of jewelry based on this image of the GRIN2B gene.

The Building Block Necklace & Earrings remind us that each discovery builds on one another to expand our understanding of this disorder and build toward better care and treatments for all the children affected by a GRIN2B-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder.

Also, the building blocks symbolize a strong support system, like the GRIN2B community. Wear this set as a reminder of your strength and feel the support of your peers through the connections you’ve built.

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How you can get involved 

Consider purchasing the new GRIN2B Necklace & Earrings, to continue funding research so we can understand more about this disorder and help create a better future. Or make a donation directly to the GRIN2B Foundation here: http://grin2b.com/donate/

Interview with Liz

Do you have a special cause you’d like to have made into jewelry for yourself? Contact us, here.

For more information or to make a donation:  http://grin2b.com/