Familial Dysautonomia Hope Foundation

The mission of the Familial Dysautonomia Hope Foundation (FD Hope), a voluntary, non-profit organization established in 2001, is to expand and accelerate scientific research to find a cure for familial dysautonomia while improving the lives of the children and adults who are challenged by the disease. Familial dysautonomia is a rare genetic disorder of the autonomic nervous system that primarily affects people of Eastern European Jewish heritage. It is characterized by diminished sensitivity to pain, lack of overflow tearing in the eyes, and unusual fluctuations of body temperature and blood pressure. Familial Dysautonomia Hope provides publications, advocacy, and patient networking services.