Patty Heard

Patty Heard has worked as the lab technician for the C18CRC for 19 years. My main job is to collect and prepare the cells for analysis. The process starts when I send out the blood collection kits to families so they can have blood drawn and complete their enrollment in the research study. Then, I process the blood by extracting DNA to be used for microarray analysis, establishing permanent cell lines, and preparing chromosomes for specific staining. Chromosome 18 families demonstrate a level of dedication to each other that is inspiring to witness. Parents and siblings become staunch advocates for their affected family members, and by extension, for all the members of the wider Chromosome 18 family. I don’t have much personal contact with families in our daily operations, so it’s been delightful to help Liz Cody teach Scottish Country dancing at the San Antonio conferences. I look forward to the day when we will dance together again.