Hope for Gus funds clinical trials, preclinical research, and programs to support families.
what we're funding
CRISPR Drug Development
University of Texas Southwest, Eric Olson, PhD
ACTION
Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network
Duchenne Program
UMass Medical School, Dr. Brenda Wong
Expansion of Department of Defense Grant – Cardiac
Northwestern University, Dr. Elizabeth McNally
Supporting Families
Newly diagnosed? HFG is here to help with resources or just a listening ear. Please reach out through our online form or send us an email at info[at]hopeforgus[dot]org.
Questions about school and IEPS? Tonya and her husband Steve are both teachers and have been navigating the world of Special Education for decades, for both their students and their own children. Please reach out!
Equipment needs/questions? Let us know what equipment you are having a difficult time accessing. We can help with resources and finances.
Advocacy and Awareness
Hope For Gus representatives attend the Advocacy Conference in Washington DC every year, speaking with representatives, telling our stories, and making sure that our policy makers understand the urgent need for funding and focus on DMD.
New Opportunity!
In February 2026, Hope For Gus will send ONE family member from New England to join our representatives at the Advocacy Conference. Airfare and hotel will be paid for 3 days. Applicants will be asked to write a short letter detailing why they want to attend and what outcomes they want to focus on in DC. Contact us for more information.
our past funding
2022
| Project | Category | Investigator/Organization | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network | General Support | N/A | ACTION Learning Network |
| DMD Clinic | General Support | N/A | University of Massachusetts, Worcester |
| Pandemic relief for DMD Families | General Support | Hope For Gus | N/A |
| CRISPR/Cas | Preclinical drug development | Eric Olson | University of Texas Southwest |
| DMD Clinic | General Support | N/A | University of Massachusetts Memorial |
| GalGt2 Gene Therapy Trial | Preclinical drug development | Dr. Kevin Flanigan | Columbus Children’s Hospital |
| VBP15 Dissociative Steroid Drug | Clinical trial | Eric Hoffman, PhD | ReveraGen |
| Repeat Dosing Gene Therapy | Preclinical drug development | Dr. Keith Foster | University of Reading |
| Folistatin Gene Therapy | Preclinical drug development | Dr. Jerry Mendall | Nationwide Children’s Hospital |
| Program to Consolidate Research | Research Support | N/A | Charley’s Fund |
Additional Past Funding:
| Project | Category | Investigator/Organization | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myomics Drug Screening | Preclinical drug development | Brian Tseng, MD, PhD | Massachusetts General Hospital |
| Gene Therapy Research | Preclinical drug development | Jeff Chamberlain, PhD | University of Washington |
| Laminin 111 | Preclinical drug development | Bradley Hodges, PhD | Prothelia |
| Nutraceutical (THI), Skeletal Muscle Function | Preclinical drug development | Hannele Ruohola-Baker, PhD | University of Washington |
| Zebra Fish Screening of FDA Approved Pharmaceuticals | Preclinical drug development | Dr. James Dowling | University of Michigan |
| Preparation of Halofuginone for Phase I/II Clinical Trial | Preclinical drug development | Marc Blaustein | Halo Therapeutics |
| Carmeseal (P188), Cardiac and Skeletal Muscle Function | Preclinical drug development | Bruce Markham, PhD | Phrixus Pharma/Coalition Duchenne |
| Development of Dystrophin Independent Therapy | Preclinical drug development | Louis Kunkel, PhD | Boston Children’s Hospital/Jett Foundation |
| Anti-fibrotic (Relaxin) Skeletal Muscle and Diaphragm Histology | Preclinical drug development | Jeffrey Chamberlain, PhD | University of Washington |
| Nutraceutical (Quercetin) Respiratory and Cardiac Function | Preclinical drug development | Joshua Selsby, PhD | Iowa State University |
| Nutraceutical (THI), Skeletal Muscle Function | Preclinical drug development | Dawn Lowe, PhD | University of Minnesota |
| Duchenne Dashboard | Project management software | Carlo Rago, PhD | OpenOnward |
| Halofuginone Phase II | Clinical Trial | Marc Blaustein | Halo Therapies |
| ISOFEN Phase II | Clinical Trial | Emilio Clementeni MD, PhD | University of Milan |
| Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Conference (Portland, OR) | Research Conference | Chris James | RaceMD |
| New Biomarkers for DMD | Basic Science | Julie Saba MD, PhD | Children’s Hospital of Oakland, RaceMD |
| General Clinic Support | Clinic Support | Jett Clinic for Neuromuscular Disorders | Massachusetts |
Hope for Gus is a 501(c)3. Our 990 is posted annually on sites like Charity Navigator.
Hope for Gus supports Muscular Dystrophy Organization of Nepal, a home and center for boys with DMD, with funds raised through Everest to End Duchenne.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support the Hope For Gus Foundation, and opportunities to engage and connect are increasing!