Recently I had the privilege to be a clinical research assistant where I helped with various aspects of clinical trials such as collecting data, recruitment and specimen processing.  I’m also personally connected to rare disease as my mom is diagnosed with Glanzmann Thrombasthenia which is a rare blood clotting disorder. Through learning from my mother’s experiences and supporting her in her journey, I understand how scary it can be to live with a rare disease. My personal experience combined with my professional experience in clinical research has given me the skills and insight needed to help people affected by rare disease.