Launch of FAST Australia

Inspired by the mission and energy of FAST in the United States and driven by the lack of research and understanding into Angelman Syndrome on our shores, FAST Australian opened the "doors" for business in July of this year!

Australia is slightly larger in area than the United States (minus Alaska) and has a population less than the State of Texas, most of us live on the east coast in two of our major cities but a large percentage of us are still off the beaten track (away from the main traffic)! Consequently, if you mention Angelman Syndrome to anyone - including some medical professionals, you are likely to be met with a blank stare! Our incidence rate is the same as everywhere else in the world but the nature of our population means that there are often only one or a few cases in an area, and there is a suspicion that a large number of cases are still undiagnosed. Until recently tests for ube3a mutations were all sent offshore.

Don't get me wrong, we don't ride around on Kangaroos, have pet koalas and spend our days at the beach throwing shrimps on the Barbie (in actual fact we don't even call them shrimps! To us, they are prawns) , despite being renowned for our laid back lifestyle, we are aware that there is a lot to be done to ensure that the amazing resources created by FAST US are made available to families, therapists and professionals keeping them up to date with all the latest information.

After a lot of hard yakka (hard work) by volunteer parents of kids with Angelman Syndrome, FAST Australia received its charity status and celebrated with an official launch in Brisbane Queensland on the last weekend in September. A great group of parents, supporters and professionals came together from all the corners of Australia, New Zealand and even a distinguished guest from the UK - the amazing Professor Chris Oliver! We met together with some great music, food and enthusiasm as we shared dreams for our children and a desire to work together for our common goals.

Hitting the ground running (Starting quickly), we have already had a number of small fundraising events! We are proud to be able to offer the first National charity dedicated to Angelman Syndrome. We have had teams getting sweaty in fun runs, a charity golf day, trivia nights and some amazing individuals that have been simply won over by our children and driven to raise money for us.

Money to date has been invested into brochures, information leaflets and media packs to get moving on raising the profile of Angelman Syndrome in an effort to increase understanding and reduce the wait time for diagnosis. In August we were extremely lucky that FAST Scientific Advisory Board member Professor David Segal took time out from his holiday to speak with families in Sydney about his exciting Zinc Finger research. We are keen as mustard (really really keen) to see our research community contribute to the amazing work already being done in the States.

On a serious note, we don't all speak in slang and obscure phrases! We are a small country with a big heart, a reputation for helping out a mate, world renowned research scientists and we feel confident that we will make many valuable contributions towards our common goals.

Thank you for welcoming us into the FAST community. Meagan Cross, FAST Chair Australia.

FAST AU: The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics Australia Limited, an Australian company limited by guarantee, and Health Promotion Charity status and associated tax concessions as of April 2010.

At FAST Australia, our mission is the same as our founding organisation in the United States. Both entities are dedicated to finding a cure for Angelman Syndrome and related disorders through the funding of an aggressive research agenda, education and advocacy.

The two entities operate independently from each other with separate board of directors and bylaws. FAST AU is not controlled by FAST US and no funding is provided by FAST AU to FAST US. There is an agreement in place for the use of the "Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics" and "FAST" names. FAST AU raises funds and those funds are applied as determined by the FAST AU board of directors. While both foundations share the same vision, both are legally and financially independent.

Together with FAST in the United States, we strive for a day where the severity of Angelman Syndrome will be a thing of the past.