Champions for Understanding, Treating, Investigating, and Empowering those with SCN8A

After our first SCN8A Clinician, Researcher, and Family Gathering, held in 2015, we saw a handful of individuals rising to the opportunity to work collaboratively to improve the health and safety of those living with SCN8A. As a result we created the CUTIES, our annual awards for Champions for Understanding, Treating, Investigating, and Empowering those with SCN8A. 
​2016  |  2017  |  2018  |  2019  |  2020  |  2021  |  2022  |  2023  |  2024  |  2025

2016 Winners

 Jessica Jenkins 
Dustin's Mom
Mandy Harris, M.D.
(1975-2017)
Pediatric Neurologist, The Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Manoj Patel, Ph.D
Associate Professor at University of Virginia Health System

​2017 Winners

Maggie Nayyar
Leo's Mom
John Schreiber, M.D.
Neurologist, Children's National Hospital
Michael Hammer, Ph.D
Shay's Dad, Research Scientist, University of Arizona

​2018 Winners
Dianely Cabrera
Max's Mom, TCSF Volunteer
JP Johnson
VP Biology, Xenon Pharmaceuticals

​2019 Winners

Daniel Braz
Rafa's Dad, Ajude o Rafa Founder
Katrine Johannesen, M.D.
The Danish Epilepsy Center
Miriam Meisler, Ph.D
Professor of Human Genetics and Professor of Neurology, University of Michigan

​2020 Winners

Cinzia Scarcelli
Aron's Mom, SCN8A Italia Founder
Kacie Craig
Stella's Mom, TCSF Volunteer
Megan Varner
Lily's Sister, TCSF Volunteer

​2021 Winners
Ben Clay
(1978-2022)
SCN8A UK & Ireland Founder and Tilly's Dad
Eric Wengert, Ph.D.
​Postdoctoral Fellow in the Lab of Dr. Ethan M. Goldberg, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

2022 Winner
Hillary Savoie, Ph.D.
Founder and President, The Cute Syndrome Foundation and Esme's Mom

2023 Winners

Shawn and Krista Smith
Connor James Smith Patient Assistance Grant Founders and Connor's Parents
Scott Perry, M.D.
Medical Director of Neurology, Cook Children's
Madeleine Oudin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Tufts University and Margot's Mom

2024 Winners

Kelly Johnston
Mae's Mom, TCSF Volunteer
Roberto Previtali, M.D.
Child Neurologist and Psychiatrist, Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital, Danish Epilepsy Center-Filadelfia, University of Southern Denmark
Dennis Lal, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Neurogenetics, UTHealth Houston

2025 Winners

Karen Varner
Retired Family Support Director, TCSF Executive Committee and Lily's Mom
Ethan Goldberg, M.D., Ph.D
​Pediatric Neurologist and Director, Epilepsy Neurogenetics Initiative, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Elena Gardella, M.D., Ph.D
​Associate Professor, University of Southern Denmark and
the Danish Epilepsy Centre