With our latest 40K in 40 Days campaign and regular fundraising events, we get this question a lot — and we love it:
“Where do your donations actually go?”
The answer? Straight into the hands of the people doing the life-changing, world-shifting, gene-unraveling work: medical researchers.
At The Homer Hack, we don’t just raise funds for the fun of it (although, our events are pretty fun). Every dollar raised helps us fund critical scientific research into the Homer gene and other rare scaffolding gene variants linked to conditions like autism, epilepsy, bipolar disorder and more.
Why Research?
Because knowledge is power. And for families navigating a diagnosis involving a rare gene variant, knowledge is also hope.
Many of these families are told, “We don’t know much about this gene.”, “Your child is unique.”, “He is one in a trillion.” and “We have to wait for science to catch up!”
That’s not good enough – So, we are changing that story!
Meet the Researchers We Back
In 2024, thanks to our generous donors and event supporters, we were able to fund two brilliant researchers from Monash University:
Dr. Jose Agustin Cota Coronado is exploring how infections during pregnancy could impact HOMER1 gene expression and increase the risk of autism.
Dr. Muhammad Shahid Javaid is using cutting-edge disease models to study how Homer1 gene variations affect both brain and heart function by using Human Stem Cells to test a range of FDA approved drugs.
This is research that isn’t just fascinating, it’s necessary. It could lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatments and maybe one day, even cures.
Why It Matters to Us
Behind every research grant is a real person, a real child, a real family trying to make sense of the unknown. Our founder knows this first hand. The questions she had in 2018 are the same ones many families are asking today.
- What does this gene do?
- What does this mean for my child’s future?
- Will anyone ever understand what we are going through?
We fund research to turn those questions into answers.
How You Can Help
Whether you dive into the ocean at the 16 Degrees Swim Festival, sip champagne at our Bubbles and Blooms Mothers Day event, or donate through our website, you are helping fund research that could change lives.
Here’s what your support helps us do:
- Run competitive annual research grants
- Collaborate with world-class scientists
- Drive public awareness and advocacy
- Build a community of hope, science and support
Every dollar makes a difference. Every voice matters. And together, we are making progress — one research project at a time.
