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Advancing Research.
Empowering Families.
Moving Forward.

We are a family-led nonprofit dedicated to supporting research for SETD5 Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and building a global community of hope and action.

1,100+ Families Worldwide
2014 Condition First Described
<75 Studies on SETD5 Syndrome
What is SETD5 Syndrome?

A Rare Genetic Condition with a Growing Community

SETD5 Syndrome is caused by changes (variants or deletions) in the SETD5 gene. This gene plays a critical role in brain development, and when it doesn't work as expected, it can affect many areas of development. Common features include intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delays, and behavioral differences such as attention and hyperactivity challenges. SETD5 Syndrome can also lead to a range of physical symptoms, which vary from person to person.

In most reported cases, the change arises spontaneously (de novo), and there is no prior family history of the condition, though familial cases do occur. In some families, a parent carries the variant and may show no features of the syndrome at all, a phenomenon known as reduced penetrance. When a parent carries the variant, it can be passed to a child. SETD5 Syndrome was first described in 2014, and the global community of diagnosed individuals is still growing as genetic testing becomes more widespread.

Every person with SETD5 Syndrome is unique. This is a condition of beautiful complexity, and our mission is to fully understand it and support those living with it.

Learn More About the Condition
Research Priorities

Science That Needs Funding

SETD5 Syndrome is still poorly understood. There are fewer than 75 published studies, no natural history data, and no established clinical care guidelines. Our role is to change that: by connecting with leading researchers, funding the studies that matter most, and building the infrastructure the field needs to move faster.

Every dollar we raise goes directly toward the research priorities we believe will have the greatest impact. Visit our research page to see what we are working toward and why.

Family Stories

The Faces Behind Our Mission

SETD5 Syndrome Foundation was built by parents who refused to wait. Here is why we do this work.

"We knew from the very beginning that something was different about our son. After six months of fighting to have our concerns validated and nearly two years waiting for a diagnosis, we found ourselves navigating the unknown world of SETD5 Syndrome largely on our own. Like many families, we became our child's fiercest advocates and accidental experts in a condition few people understand. A Foundation that provides guidance, support, and connection for families affected by SETD5 Syndrome changes everything. No family should have to navigate it alone."
TM
Taryn M.
Parent & Board Member

Support Our Work

We are building something that will matter for generations. Your support, in any form, helps us get there.

Note: Our 501(c)(3) application is pending. Donations are not yet tax-deductible.

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About SETD5 Syndrome

Plain-language information about the genetics, symptoms, diagnosis, and daily life with SETD5 Syndrome, written for families first.

The Basics

What Is SETD5 Syndrome?

SETD5 Syndrome is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental condition caused by a change (variant) in the SETD5 gene, located on chromosome 3p25.3. SETD5 haploinsufficiency (meaning one working copy of the gene instead of the usual two) disrupts normal development in ways that can affect cognition, behavior, communication, and physical features.

Research suggests that SETD5 may help regulate how other genes are switched on and off during development. When one copy does not function correctly, a range of developmental, behavioral, medical, and physical features have been observed in affected individuals. No two individuals are exactly alike, and severity varies widely.

Most reported cases occur as a de novo mutation, meaning the change arose spontaneously and was not inherited from either parent. However, inherited cases are thought to account for an estimated 10–15% of known cases, and this figure may be an undercount, as formal prevalence data are still emerging.

Two genetic concepts help explain the range of how SETD5 variants behave in families. Reduced penetrance means a parent carries the same pathogenic variant as their child but has no apparent clinical features themselves (the variant is "there" but not expressed). Variable expressivity means individuals with the same variant can be affected to very different degrees, from mild to more significant. Both are observed in SETD5 Syndrome, which can make inherited cases harder to identify and may contribute to the variant being underweighted during genetic evaluation.

Approximately 75+ individuals had been described in published case series as of 2025. However, the global community has grown to over 1,100 families worldwide, suggesting the true number of people affected is significantly higher than published figures reflect.

Quick Facts

Gene: SETD5 (SET Domain Containing 5), chromosome 3p25.3
Also known as: MRD23, Autosomal Dominant Intellectual Disability 23, SETD5-Related Syndrome, SETD5 haploinsufficiency; overlaps with 3p25.3 Microdeletion Syndrome
Inheritance: Most cases are de novo; an estimated 10–15% are inherited from a parent who may be unaffected (reduced penetrance) or only mildly affected (variable expressivity)
First described: 2014
Estimated cases: ~75+ individuals described in published case series as of 2025; the global community has grown to 1,100+ families, suggesting the true number affected is higher than published figures reflect
Diagnosis: Whole-exome sequencing (WES) or whole-genome sequencing (WGS) identifies individual SETD5 variants; chromosomal microarray (CMA) detects only larger chromosomal deletions involving the SETD5 region
SETD5 Syndrome is a diagnosis, not a destiny. Every child is unique, and every family's journey looks different.
Signs & Symptoms

What Does SETD5 Syndrome Look Like?

SETD5 Syndrome presents differently in every person. The spectrum is wide: some individuals have significant support needs, while others have mild or moderate features, and some do not have intellectual disability at all. Notably, some parents who carry a pathogenic SETD5 variant are themselves unaffected or only mildly affected. No two individuals are exactly alike.

Learning & Cognition

Intellectual disability, global developmental delay, working memory difficulties, and challenges with reading, writing, and numeracy.

Speech & Language

Speech and language delay commonly reported. Some individuals are minimally verbal; others use AAC. Expressive language is often more affected than comprehension.

Behavior & Emotional Regulation

ADHD features, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, autism spectrum features, and a preference for routine are commonly observed.

Social & Adaptive

Social communication challenges and reduced awareness of danger have been reported in some individuals.

Neurological & Motor

Low muscle tone (hypotonia), gross and fine motor delays, coordination difficulties, sleep disturbances, and epilepsy in some individuals.

Medical & Physical

May include feeding difficulties in infancy, growth concerns, vision or hearing impairment, and heart concerns present from birth in some individuals.

Important: Features listed are drawn from published case series and reflect commonly reported characteristics. This list is not exhaustive. Not every individual will have all of these, and no two people are exactly alike. This is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a qualified genetics specialist or developmental pediatrician for personalized guidance.

Nomenclature

Other Names You May Encounter

SETD5 Syndrome appears under several different names in medical literature, databases, and research. All refer to the same underlying condition.

MRD23 / Autosomal Dominant Intellectual Disability 23

Formal clinical classification used in genetics literature and medical databases.

Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Autosomal Dominant 23

A variation of the formal medical classification used in some clinical records.

Intellectual Disability-Facial Dysmorphism Syndrome due to SETD5 Haploinsufficiency

A descriptive name used by the NIH's Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), referencing the primary symptoms and genetic mechanism.

SETD5-Related Disorder / SETD5-Related Syndrome

Broader, more accessible terms used by patient advocacy groups and registries such as Simons Searchlight.

3p25.3 Microdeletion Syndrome

A closely related condition in which a small piece of chromosome 3 is deleted, a region that includes the SETD5 gene. Researchers believe the core features are primarily caused by loss of SETD5, and the clinical literature significantly overlaps.

Related condition
Global Community

SETD5 Syndrome Families Around the World

SETD5 Syndrome has been identified on six continents. Every highlighted country has at least one confirmed case, and the true global count continues to grow as genetic testing expands.

The Diagnostic Journey

From "Something Is Different" to a Diagnosis

Many families travel a long road before receiving a diagnosis of SETD5 Syndrome. Understanding this journey can help families advocate effectively.

1

Developmental Concerns Are Noticed

Parents or a pediatrician notice developmental delays (often in speech, motor skills, or social development), typically in the first 1-3 years of life.

2

Referral to Specialists

A referral to a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, or geneticist follows. Initial testing (MRI, metabolic panels) may be inconclusive.

3

Genetic Testing

Most SETD5 variants are identified through whole-exome sequencing (WES) or whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Chromosomal microarray (CMA) can detect larger chromosomal deletions involving the SETD5 region but does not identify individual gene variants, so a normal CMA result does not rule out SETD5 Syndrome. Your genetics team will advise on appropriate testing.

4

Diagnosis Confirmed

A disease-causing change in the SETD5 gene, described on lab reports as "pathogenic" or "likely pathogenic," is identified. Parents receive a formal diagnosis, often a moment of grief and relief at once.

5

Finding Community & Next Steps

Connecting with SETD5 Syndrome Foundation and other families is one of the most meaningful steps after diagnosis. Many families also find it helpful to ask their genetics team about follow-up care, reach out to early intervention programs, and connect with school support services. You are not alone, and you do not have to figure this out by yourself.

Medical disclaimer: The SETD5 Syndrome Foundation does not provide individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information on this website is educational only. Families should consult their own physician, geneticist, neurologist, genetic counselor, or other qualified medical provider regarding personal medical questions or care decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Families Often Ask

Could I have passed this on to my child? +
In most cases, SETD5 Syndrome arises as a de novo (spontaneous, new) change; it was not inherited from either parent. Many parents test negative for the variant themselves. In some families, however, a parent carries the same pathogenic variant. This can happen because of reduced penetrance (the parent carries the variant but has no clinical features themselves) or variable expressivity (the variant affects people to very different degrees, and a parent may be only mildly affected while their child is more significantly affected). A genetic counselor can review your family's specific situation.
Is there a cure or treatment? +
There is currently no cure for SETD5 Syndrome, but researchers are actively working toward targeted therapies. In the meantime, individualized therapies (speech, occupational, physical, and behavioral) can help address many of the challenges associated with the condition. This is exactly why research funding matters so much.
What is the recurrence risk for future pregnancies? +
Recurrence risk depends on whether a parent carries the variant. Published case series suggest most cases are de novo (not inherited from either parent), so risk for future pregnancies is generally low in those families. However, in some families a parent carries the same variant, which changes the recurrence picture. A genetic counselor can clarify the recurrence risk and testing options specific to your family.
How do I connect with other families? +
Visit our Resources page for ways to connect with other families and advocates in the SETD5 Syndrome community.

Newly Diagnosed? You Are Not Alone.

We are building a community where no family has to navigate a SETD5 Syndrome diagnosis alone. Reach out — we would love to hear from you.

Contact the Foundation

Supporting the Science of SETD5 Syndrome

SETD5 Syndrome is newly understood and under-researched. Here is where we are focused and why it matters.

From Discovery to Treatment

SETD5 Syndrome was only first described in scientific literature in 2014. The field is young, which means there is enormous potential for rapid progress with the right investment.

We support research by connecting families, identifying research priorities, building scientific partnerships, and helping lay the groundwork for future studies — across the full pipeline from understanding the basic biology of the SETD5 gene to developing and testing candidate therapies.

Family-centered research means patients and families have a voice in setting research priorities from the very beginning. That is not a nice-to-have for us. It is the point.

2014
Condition First Described
1,100+
Families Worldwide
Est. 2026
Foundation Year
100%
Community-Funded Mission

Our Research Priorities

Our role is to support the researchers doing the work — connecting with investigators, forming partnerships, and helping build the infrastructure the field needs to move faster.

Natural History Priority

Natural History Study

Supporting researchers to follow individuals with SETD5 Syndrome over time, tracking development, health outcomes, and quality of life across the lifespan. This is the foundation all future research depends on.

Registry Priority

Patient & Variant Registry

Supporting the development of a structured, global database of everyone diagnosed with SETD5 Syndrome, capturing each person's specific genetic variant and clinical features to power every study that follows.

Family Research Priority

Family & Caregiver Quality of Life Study

Supporting research that documents the real-world impact of SETD5 Syndrome on families, with findings that can inform insurance advocacy, school supports, and policies that shape daily life.

Clinical Priority

Clinical Care Guidelines

Supporting the convening of physicians and specialists to establish consensus on how individuals with SETD5 Syndrome should be evaluated, monitored, and cared for across their lifetime.

Epilepsy Priority

Epilepsy Prevalence & Treatment

Seizures have been reported in SETD5 Syndrome, yet how commonly they occur, and whether they are being consistently recognized and diagnosed, is not well understood. We want to support research that establishes the true prevalence of epilepsy in SETD5 Syndrome, characterizes how it presents across individuals, and informs treatment approaches tailored to the underlying biology of the condition.

Research Milestones

How Far We Have Come

The SETD5 Syndrome field has progressed rapidly in a short time. Here is the story of that progress.

2013

SETD5 First Linked to Intellectual Disability

Early research identifies SETD5 variants in individuals with unexplained intellectual disability, a preliminary finding that would lead to the condition being formally characterized the following year.

2014

SETD5 Syndrome Formally Described

Grozeva et al. publish the first paper formally characterizing SETD5 haploinsufficiency as a distinct syndrome.

2017

First Family Support Group Formed on Facebook

Families from around the world connect for the first time, forming the community that would become the foundation of this organization.

2018

First Mouse Model Validated

A mouse model carrying one changed copy of the Setd5 gene is validated, showing behavioral and neurological features similar to those seen in humans with the condition.

2026

SETD5 Syndrome Foundation Formed

Families launch the foundation to accelerate research and provide community support to a growing global patient population.

Scientific Advisory Board

Building Our Scientific Leadership

We are in the process of assembling a Scientific Advisory Board of leading researchers in neurodevelopmental genetics, epigenomics, and rare disease therapeutics. Our SAB will help guide our research priorities and ensure the work we support is rigorous and moves the field forward.

Are You a Researcher in This Space?

We welcome inquiries from scientists interested in SETD5 Syndrome. If you are working in neurodevelopmental genetics, epigenomics, or rare disease therapeutics, we would love to connect.

Get in Touch

Support the Science

We are building the partnerships, infrastructure, and community needed to move SETD5 research forward. Your support today is what makes that possible.

Our 501(c)(3) application is pending. Donations are not yet tax-deductible.

Learn How to Support Us Get Research Updates
About These Listings

Clinical Studies

The SETD5 Syndrome Foundation is proud to connect our community with the wider scientific world by listing active research studies as an informational service to families. These listings are shared for informational purposes; the Foundation is an independent organization, is not organizationally affiliated with these external projects, and does not formally sponsor or vet individual independent studies.

Participation in research is entirely voluntary. We encourage all families to carefully review each study's informed consent materials and discuss potential participation with their personal healthcare providers and the respective research teams.

Active Studies

Current Research Opportunities

Clinical, EEG and Genetic Characterization of SETD5-Related Epilepsy

Families affected by SETD5-related epilepsy are invited to participate in an international research study being conducted by the Neuroscience Department at Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS in Florence, Italy.

Researchers are seeking to better understand the clinical features, EEG patterns, and treatment response of epilepsy associated with variants in the SETD5 gene. Clinical information, EEG findings, and genetic data will be collected through participants' treating medical practitioners.

By participating, families can help advance understanding of SETD5-related epilepsy and contribute to research that may benefit affected individuals and families worldwide.

Contact the Research Team

Dr. Simona Balestrini  ·  simona.balestrini@meyer.it

Dr. Alice Dainelli  ·  alice.dainelli@meyer.it

Get Notified of New Studies

Are You a Researcher?

If you are conducting research relevant to SETD5 Syndrome and would like to be listed here, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch

Built by Families, for Families

We started as a handful of parents with no roadmap. Today we are a newly formed foundation, building the systems, relationships, and resources needed to make a real difference for our children.

Our Story

How We Got Here

When our children were diagnosed with SETD5 Syndrome, we received a name but little else. There was no foundation, no patient registry, and no central hub for scientific research for families. Research was scattered, slow, and underfunded.

A group of parents from the United States, Europe, and Australia came together with a single conviction: that a rare disease this newly understood could move from mystery to treatment faster than anyone thought possible, if families organized, raised money, and partnered directly with science.

We hire no executives. We keep our overhead low. We put every dollar toward research and families. And we built the SETD5 Syndrome Foundation. We are just getting started.

"We could not wait for someone else to build what our children needed. So we built it ourselves."

$0 Executive Salaries
100% Volunteer-Run Board
Est. 2026 Year Founded
Mission, Vision & Values

What We Stand For

Our Mission

We are a family-led nonprofit building toward a future where SETD5 Syndrome is understood, treated, and no longer isolating, through research, advocacy, and a global community of support.

Our Vision

A world where every person with SETD5 Syndrome has access to effective treatments, early diagnosis, and a thriving community of support.

Science First

We are committed to funding rigorous, peer-reviewed research — guided by scientific expertise and the needs of families.

Family-Led

Every decision is made with the lived experience of families at the center.

Global & Inclusive

SETD5 Syndrome affects families everywhere. Our community has no borders.

Board of Directors

Parents, caregivers, and allies who volunteer their time and skills to this mission.

Laura Biazon

Laura Biazon

Treasurer

Doctorally prepared nurse practitioner and LEND fellow focused on early diagnosis, precision medicine, and connecting newly diagnosed families to care.

Samantha Cotter

Samantha Cotter

Secretary

Registered nurse committed to building awareness, practical resources, and community support for families affected by SETD5 Syndrome.

Amy Kreller-Kochis

Amy Kreller-Kochis

Director

Licensed Professional Counselor working to raise awareness of SETD5 Syndrome and build practical resources for individuals and caregivers.

Jesiree Mendez

Jesiree Mendez

Director

Mother of two, including a daughter with SETD5 Syndrome. She works to educate and support families from diagnosis onward.

Taryn Mildenhall

Taryn Mildenhall

Director

Paramedic bringing both clinical expertise and international perspective to advancing research and gene-targeted therapies for SETD5 Syndrome.

Expertise & Oversight

Advisory Boards

We are in the process of assembling advisory boards to guide the scientific and medical direction of the Foundation. Members will be nominated by the board and selected based on their credentials, expertise, and independence.

Scientific Advisory Board

We are assembling a Scientific Advisory Board of researchers in SETD5 Syndrome, neurodevelopmental genetics, and rare disease. If this is your field, we would welcome a conversation.

Medical Advisory Board

We are building a Medical Advisory Board of physicians, geneticists, neurologists, and other clinicians who care for children with rare neurodevelopmental conditions.

Reach Out

We Would Love to Hear From You

Families, researchers, donors, press. We respond to every message.

Follow Us

Facebook Instagram Coming Soon

Contact Us

Families, researchers, donors, press. We respond to every message.

Reach Out

We Would Love to Hear From You

Follow Us

Facebook Instagram Coming Soon

Resources

A collection of resources to help families navigate life with SETD5 Syndrome.

The resources listed below are provided for informational purposes only. The Foundation does not formally endorse any external organization, website, or community. Families are encouraged to evaluate resources independently.

Family Education & Practical Tools

The SETD5 Syndrome Companion

An independently created and maintained website built by a parent of a child with SETD5 Syndrome. Includes genetic report guides, school supports, and plain-language explainers to help families understand the diagnosis and navigate daily life. Also home to SETD5 Syndrome and You, a short illustrated story written for kids explaining SETD5 Syndrome in simple, kind language. Read it together or let them flip through on their own.

This site is independently created and maintained and is not owned or controlled by the Foundation.

Visit setd5syndrome.com ↗
Community & Peer Support

SETD5 Syndrome Facebook Group

A private Facebook group for families, caregivers, and individuals affected by SETD5 Syndrome. This is an independent community space not affiliated with the Foundation.

Visit the Group ↗
Research & Registries

Simons Searchlight

A research program connecting families with published research, patient registries, and clinical databases focused on rare genetic conditions including SETD5 Syndrome.

Visit simonssearchlight.org ↗

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you are newly diagnosed or feeling overwhelmed, reach out directly. We will do our best to point you toward resources and connect you with others who understand.

Contact the Foundation

You Are Not Alone

The SETD5 Syndrome Foundation exists to connect families, reduce isolation, and make sure no one has to navigate this diagnosis without support.

Our Role

A First Point of Contact for Families

When a family receives a SETD5 Syndrome diagnosis, they often have no roadmap. Our goal is to be that first point of contact: helping families find what resources exist, connecting them with others who truly understand, and making sure they feel welcomed into a community that has been waiting for them.

We are not building a new resource library from scratch. We are helping families find the high-quality resources that already exist, and filling the gaps where they don't.

Newly Diagnosed

Start Here

If you have just received a SETD5 Syndrome diagnosis, for your child or yourself, the most important thing to know is that there is a community of families who have been exactly where you are.

As we build the Foundation, we are here to point you toward trusted resources and connect you with other families who understand. You do not have to figure this out alone.

Reach Out to Us

What We Can Help With

  • Finding plain-language resources written for families
  • Pointing you toward trusted resources and organizations
  • Connecting with the global SETD5 Syndrome community
  • Finding other families who understand your experience
Coming Soon

Virtual Meetups & Events

We are building a series of virtual meetups so families can connect with one another and with the Foundation. These will start with a welcome session for newly diagnosed families, and regional meet-and-greet calls where families can find others near them.

In-person events are a future goal as the Foundation grows. For now, subscribe to stay notified as these programs take shape.

Stay Updated

Ready to Connect?

Reach out directly and we will help you find what you need. No matter where you are starting from.

Contact the Foundation

Partner With Us

We are actively building our partner network. Here is how organizations can join us in moving SETD5 Syndrome research forward.

Partnership Opportunities

Ways to Work Together

We are looking for organizations that share our belief that rare disease families deserve better science, better support, and a stronger voice. Here are the kinds of partnerships we are building toward.

Research Institutions

Scientific Collaborators

We are seeking research institutions and principal investigators working in neurodevelopmental genetics, epigenomics, and rare disease therapeutics to co-develop and co-fund studies.

Rare Disease Organizations

Advocacy & Policy Allies

We are looking to connect with rare disease advocacy organizations that can help amplify our families' voices and navigate the policy, funding, and legislative landscape.

Corporate & Philanthropic

Funding Partners

We welcome corporate sponsors and philanthropic partners who want to align their giving with a high-impact rare disease mission. Your support goes directly toward funding research.

Partnership Opportunities

Let's Work Together

The SETD5 Syndrome Foundation partners with organizations that share our belief that no family should face a rare disease alone — and that better science leads to better lives.

  • Advance Rare Disease Research Co-fund studies, share datasets, and accelerate discovery for families waiting on answers.
  • Reach a Dedicated Community Connect with an engaged network of families, clinicians, and researchers who trust this Foundation.
  • Demonstrate Social Impact Align your organization with a mission that makes a measurable difference for children and families.
Get in Touch

Ready to Explore a Partnership?

We'd love to learn about your organization and find ways to work together toward shared goals.


Start the Conversation Learn more about our mission →

Fundraising

Every dollar raised moves us closer to answers. Here is how you can help.

Ways to Give

Make an Impact

When our 501(c)(3) status is confirmed, every gift, from an individual, a company, or a community group, will go directly to SETD5 Syndrome research, family programs, and advocacy.

One-Time Donation

A direct gift of any size makes an immediate difference, funding lab supplies, research fellowships, and family resources.

Donate Now

Monthly Giving

Recurring gifts provide the Foundation with stable, predictable funding that lets us plan research grants and programs with confidence.

Give Monthly

Corporate Giving

Partner with us on research sponsorship, matching gift programs, or cause-marketing campaigns that make a visible difference for rare disease families.

Learn More
Community Fundraising

Fundraise on Our Behalf

Some of our most powerful fundraising comes from families and friends who take the mission into their own communities.

Birthday & Milestone Fundraisers

Turn a birthday, anniversary, or milestone moment into an act of generosity. Ask friends and family to donate to SETD5 Syndrome Foundation in your honor.

Team & Group Fundraising

Organize a run, bake sale, auction, or community event and donate the proceeds. We'll provide resources, materials, and support to help make your event a success.

Tribute & Memorial Giving

Honor someone you love by making a gift in their name, or invite others to give in lieu of flowers or gifts. A meaningful way to celebrate a life or mark a loss.

Ready to Give?

Every contribution, no matter the size, moves the needle for families living with SETD5 Syndrome.

Donate Now

Volunteer

Our Foundation runs on the passion and time of people who believe in this mission. There's a place for you here.

How You Can Help

Volunteer Opportunities

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds: parents, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, students, and advocates. Your skills and time make a direct difference. Fill out the form below to express your interest. We'll be in touch if there's a match for a need we currently have.

Administrative Support

Help keep the Foundation running smoothly, from organizing documents and coordinating schedules to supporting board operations and day-to-day tasks.

Events & Fundraising

Help plan, promote, and run our fundraising events, from virtual awareness campaigns to in-person community gatherings.

Family Support

Help newly diagnosed families navigate the early days. As a peer support volunteer, you offer connection, empathy, and lived experience to families who need it most.

Social Media & Communications

Writers, designers, and social media volunteers help us tell our story, reach more families, and communicate the science in plain language.

Research & Advocacy

Support our efforts to engage the scientific community by helping with patient registry outreach, research survey distribution, and data collection coordination.

Other

Have a skill or passion that doesn't fit neatly into a category? Tell us about yourself. There's likely a place for you here.

Sign Up

Express Your Interest

Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch with opportunities that match your skills and availability.

Stay Updated

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and stay connected to the work, the families, and the science that drives us forward.

What to Expect

Your Monthly Connection to the Foundation

Every month we send one thoughtful email to our community. No clutter, no spam. Here's what you'll find inside each issue:

Research Updates

The latest news from the scientific community: studies, publications, and developments related to SETD5 Syndrome, explained in plain language.

Family Stories

Voices from our global community, sharing their experiences, milestones, and the moments that remind us why this work matters.

Advocacy & Policy News

Updates on rare disease advocacy efforts, policy developments, and how the Foundation is working to amplify the voices of our community.

Upcoming Events & Programs

Conferences, webinars, fundraisers, and community gatherings so you never miss an opportunity to connect or get involved.

Foundation News

Announcements from our team: new partnerships, grant awards, board updates, and milestones as we grow the Foundation together.

Sign Up

Get the Monthly Newsletter

Join families, clinicians, researchers, and supporters from around the world who receive our monthly update.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Privacy Policy

Effective date: January 1, 2026

SETD5 Syndrome Foundation ("we," "us," or "our") is a Virginia nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt application pending with the IRS. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit setd5syndrome.org or interact with our programs. We are committed to handling your information with care and respect.

Information We Collect

We collect information only when you voluntarily provide it to us. This may include:

Newsletter sign-ups: When you subscribe to our mailing list, we collect your email address. We use this solely to send Foundation updates, research news, and family resources.

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Board intake forms: If you apply to join our Board of Directors, we collect professional and personal information provided in that form. This information is used only for board recruitment purposes and is handled confidentially.

We do not use cookies for tracking, and we do not use Google Analytics or any third-party analytics tools on this site.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide to respond to your inquiries, send communications you have opted into, and improve our programs and services. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third party. We do not use your information for any purpose beyond what is described in this policy without your consent.

Email Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter, you may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email we send, or by contacting us directly at info@setd5syndrome.org. We will promptly remove you from our mailing list.

Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

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Our website is intended for general audiences and is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.

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Our website may contain links to external sites, including research institutions, partner organizations, and social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to review their policies independently.

Changes to This Policy

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Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at info@setd5syndrome.org.

Terms of Use

Effective date: January 1, 2026

Welcome to setd5syndrome.org, the official website of SETD5 Syndrome Foundation, a Virginia nonprofit corporation with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt application pending with the IRS. By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree, please do not use this site.

Not Medical Advice

The content on this website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Use of This Website

You may use this website for lawful, personal, and non-commercial purposes. You agree not to use this site in any way that is harmful, deceptive, or disruptive, or that violates any applicable law or regulation. You may not reproduce, distribute, or republish content from this site without prior written permission from SETD5 Syndrome Foundation, except for personal, non-commercial use.

Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and design elements, is the property of SETD5 Syndrome Foundation or its content contributors and is protected by applicable copyright and intellectual property laws. The SETD5 Syndrome Foundation name and logo may not be used without our express written permission.

Third-Party Links

This website may link to external websites operated by third parties, including research institutions, scientific publications, and partner organizations. These links are provided for your convenience and information only. SETD5 Syndrome Foundation does not endorse, control, or take responsibility for the content or practices of any third-party sites.

Disclaimer of Warranties

This website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. SETD5 Syndrome Foundation makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on this site.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, SETD5 Syndrome Foundation shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of, or inability to use, this website or its content.

Governing Law

These Terms of Use are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the website following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us at info@setd5syndrome.org.

Accessibility Statement

Last updated: January 2026

SETD5 Syndrome Foundation is committed to ensuring that setd5syndrome.org is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. We believe that all families, regardless of ability, deserve full access to the information, resources, and community we offer.

Our Standard

We aim to conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.

What We Have Done

Semantic HTML: We use semantic HTML elements to support screen readers and assistive technologies.

Color contrast: Text and background color combinations are designed to meet or exceed WCAG AA contrast ratios.

Keyboard navigation: Core site navigation and interactive elements are designed to be accessible by keyboard.

Responsive design: The site is designed to work across a range of devices and screen sizes.

Font sizing: Text is sized in relative units to respect user browser font preferences.

Known Limitations

We are a small volunteer-run nonprofit and our website is actively being developed. Some areas of the site may not yet fully meet accessibility standards. We are committed to addressing issues as we identify them and welcome feedback to help us improve.

Request an Accessible Format

If you need information from this website in an alternative format, or if you encounter any accessibility barriers, please contact us. We will do our best to provide the information you need in a format that works for you.

Contact Us

To report an accessibility issue or request assistance, please email us at info@setd5syndrome.org. We aim to respond within five business days.