“Manufacturing My Miracle: One Woman’s Quest to Create Her Personalized Gene Therapy” Snack and Learn Event Scheduled for Oct. 8

Loring Hospital is set to host a “snack and learn” event on Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. The event will feature a discussion of the book, “Manufacturing My Miracle: One Woman’s Quest to Create Her Personalized Gene Therapy,” written by the late Jill Dopf Viles. The event is set to take place in the hospital’s conference room located in the facility’s new expansion. Jill’s life and work will be shared by her husband, Jeremy Viles, and her sister, Janet Albanese.

Jill, who dove into scientific clinical literature and self-diagnosed herself and her father with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), wrote the book to chronicle the events of her life. In the book, Jill shares captivating stories about her search for answers and meaning in the world of genetic research.

When expert U.S. physicians did not agree with her diagnosis, she collaborated with geneticists in Italy and elsewhere in Europe to determine the genetic basis of EDMD and confirm her own diagnosis.

Having solved the genetics mystery of her own condition, Jill continued to pursue research into muscular dystrophy and made a remarkable genetic connection between herself and Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, an Olympic medalist.

Jill spent much of her time connecting people with EDMD and other rare diseases, researching, and writing.

The event is open to the public at no cost. Light refreshments will be provided for all attendees. For questions, please contact Teresa Wirtjers at 712-662-6419 or twirtjers@loringhosp.org.