Bio
I was born with classical HCU, which was detected on newborn screening, I reside in Arizona with my husband, and we recently welcomed our first child in 2024, which has been a very exciting chapter for our family. Living with HCU has shaped many of my experiences and inspired my interest in health and wellness. I work in public health and am passionate about education, prevention, and supporting healthier communities. I am grateful to be part of the HCU community and look forward to connecting with others, sharing experiences, and learning from families and individuals navigating similar journeys.
"HCU Patient: Conceived Naturally with Struggles: Family Planning"
Building a family is a journey of hope, but when a rare disease is part of the story, that journey often includes a complex landscape of uncertainty and difficult decisions. In this session, Karen, Krista, Valerie, and Brittany share their deeply personal and professional perspectives on navigating the challenges of family building when a genetic or rare condition is involved. This panel will explore the "diagnostic odyssey" many families face and the emotional, financial and relational strains it places on parents and siblings alike. Drawing from their own experiences and expertise.
