At first glance, you might think Homer is the name of someone’s quirky uncle, a cartoon character, or a legendary Greek poet. But the Homer we are talking about lives in your brain and it might just be the key to unlocking answers for people living with neurological and mental health conditions like autism, bipolar disorder, epilepsy and schizophrenia. Let us introduce you to The Homer Hack. We are a passionate Australian charity on a mission to change the game for people and families affected by rare scaffolding gene variants, especially the HOMER genes.
So… What Is “The Homer Hack”?
The Homer Hack started in 2018 when our founder, D’Arne Finnis, received life-changing news about her son’s rare gene variant. It was a moment of shock, isolation, desperation, confusion yet determination. When answers weren’t easy to find – in fact there were none to be found, D’Arne decided to create a pathway to them, not just for her family, but for others navigating similar unknowns. Our name, The Homer Hack, reflects our mission: to “hack” into the mystery of the Homer genes and open new doors for discovery research, understanding and support. We are talking about “hacking” the system to fast-track progress for rare gene research that often is underfunded and overlooked.
Why It Matters
Even though Homer sounds small (he’s a gene, after all!), his impact is anything but. The HOMER genes play a crucial role in how brain cells communicate. Variants in this gene have been linked to serious conditions that affect thinking, mood and development. The problem? There’s not enough research yet. Families are left in the dark and potential breakthroughs remain out of reach. That’s where we come in.
What We Do
- We fund game-changing research into Homer and related genes.
- We raise awareness about rare scaffolding gene variants. We support families who feel like no one else gets it.
- And we do it all with heart, humour and a whole lot of hope.
The Homer Hack is about shining a light on aspects in the medical world that often stay in the shadows. Because everyone deserves answers, support and the chance to live a full, thriving life.
Join the Movement
If you’ve never heard of Homer before, that’s okay, you have now! And we would love for you to stick around. Whether you are a researcher, a curious human or someone personally touched by neurological conditions, you are invited to be part of our mission. Share this blog. Follow us on social media. Come to one of our events. Or simply cheer us on. The more people who know about Homer, the closer we get to the answers families around the world are waiting for.
