Participants like Ayman Make Research Possible
Ayman, 23, enjoys playing the drums and working at MOD Pizza — he was even in one of MOD’s TV commercials. He loves Pepper, his schnoodle (schnauzer-poodle). And he’s happy to help anytime he gets a call from BRI’s Down syndrome biorepository, one of the largest banks of blood samples from people with Down syndrome in the world.
“We believe you should step up and volunteer when you have the opportunity. Especially when you have something special to offer, like Ayman having Down syndrome,” says Sean, Ayman’s dad.
Ayman got involved with BRI’s biorepository through Virginia Mason’s Down Syndrome Clinic.
“Research participants like Ayman are the engine that drives everything,” says Bernard Khor, MD, PhD, who leads much of BRI’s Down syndrome research. “Having a library of samples allows us to study so many things — like vaccine response, autoimmunity, and aging of the immune system. It helps us better understand what makes people healthy and what can lead to disease.”
Ayman hopes his contributions help other people with Down syndrome live long, happy lives. He also shared some advice for anyone considering participating in research.
“It’s super easy, just relax,” Ayman says. “Everyone treats me nicely. They make me feel proud of myself. And it brings a little love into the world.”
BRI is always looking for new biorepository participants to donate blood to our studies. We recruit people with all types of immune system diseases and those with no history of immune system disease. To learn more or sign up, visit the Join Our Research page.
You Might Also Like
Inside BRI's Down Syndrome Biorepository
Bernard Khor, MD, PhD, examines how Down syndrome impacts the immune system.
New Grant Fuels Research Into Preventing Autoimmunity
Naive T cells are like the rookies of your immune system. They’re young and inexperienced. They grow up to do different jobs, most of which help protect your body from viruses and bacteria. But a few stray down the wrong path — growing up to become cells that cause autoimmune disease.
$3.5 Million to Study Down Syndrome and the Immune System
What goes wrong in the immune system that causes autoimmune disease or limits its ability to fight infections? That’s the question Bernard Khor, MD, PhD, started with 12 years ago. His search for answers led him somewhere unexpected: to people with Down syndrome.
Immuno-what? Hear the latest from BRI
Keep up to date on our latest research, new clinical trials and exciting publications.