ALS took my father’s Life – It’s coming for mine

My name is Yentli Soto Albrecht. I was training to be an infectious disease-focused MD-PhD (a doctor trained in both science and medicine) at the University of Pennsylvania when, at 66, my father died of C9orf72 ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), 1 year after his diagnosis. I found out that I also carry the C9 variant, the most common cause of ALS and FTD (frontotemporal dementia). I pivoted my research and clinical focus to build the research to change what that means. I am dedicated to translating biological discoveries across academia and industry into treatments that are practically relevant for patients and families facing these diseases, starting with my own. I’d love if you’d join our team.