After losing their 4-year-old son, Gregory, in 1997 to a rare genetic disorder, Deborah and Gregory Macres ’79 channeled their profound grief into helping other families.
The Macreses established the nonprofit Children’s Gaucher Research Fund to support global research efforts into Gaucher disease, in which patients are missing an enzyme that breaks down fatty substances called lipids. Their foundation has contributed to laboratories around the world, including the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel.
After 25 years of research, Weizmann scientists have announced a promising breakthrough—a new genetic treatment shown to significantly increase lifespan and preserve motor function in mice, offering renewed hope for patients.