Page 5 - October 2026 Insider

INSIDER October 2026

Page 5
A Sunset Supper to Remember (August 30, 2026)…
Continued from Page 4

With fabulous food, wonderful company, spectacular views and a gorgeous sunset as the
backdrop, it was an evening to remember. Many thanks to Doris and Pete Ellsworth for
opening their beautiful home, to Laurie and Michael Roeder for their culinary contributions,
to Laurie again for all the wonderful photos and to all the volunteers whose hard work and
enthusiasm made this Just for Fun gathering such a success.

ARCS Members Go “Inside the Science” at
Sanford Burnham Prebys
(August 13, 2026)

Seven ARCS members recently had a fascinating opportunity to go “Inside the Science” at our
newest educational partner, Sanford Burnham Prebys (SBP). The panel presentation offered a
fascinating look at how studying rare diseases can unlock breakthroughs that benefit patients
with far more common conditions.

SBP President and CEO David Brenner, MD, moderated an impressive panel featuring Kristen
Wigby, MD, Associate Medical Director at the Rady Children’s Institute for Genomic
Medicine; Su-Chun Zhang, MD, PhD, Director of the SBP Center for Neurological Diseases;
and Hudson Freeze, PhD, Director of the Sanford Children’s Health Research Center.

Kristen Wigby, MD Su-Chun Zhang, MD, PhD Hudson Freeze, PhD

Each panelist brought compelling stories from the front lines of research, sharing how their
work to identify, diagnose and treat rare disorders can have a ripple effect far beyond the
individual patients who first inspire the research. Their stories offered a fascinating glimpse
into the way scientific discoveries can lead researchers down unexpected—and potentially life-
changing—paths.
Representing ARCS San Diego were Ingrid Benirschke-Perkins, Leslie Bruce, Margaret Dudas,
Laurie Ellsworth, Cindy Goodman, Paulette Roberts and Tanya Schierling, who was joined by
her mom, a member of the Metro Washington ARCS chapter.

It was an inspiring reminder that when we support scientific discovery, the possibilities can
reach far beyond what we initially imagine.