The Cute Syndrome Foundation: SCN8A Support, Awareness, and Research
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  • About
    • About SCN8A
    • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Annual Report
  • Families
    • Join our SCN8A Community
    • Connor James Smith Patient Assistance Grant
    • Educational Videos >
      • Annual Gathering Event Recordings
      • Caregiver Talk + Tools
      • Cheers to a Good Life
      • Clinical Trial Readiness Series
      • Family and Researcher Roundtable Series
      • Meaningful Change Series
    • Resources
    • CUTE Connections Grant
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    • Virtual Memory Wall
    • Awareness
  • Events
    • Annual Gathering >
      • CUTIES Awards
      • Speakers
      • Family Travel Info
      • Travel Grant
    • Monthly Family Programs
    • Virtual Race
  • Research
    • SCN8A Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Research Grants
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Our Team

Members of the TCSF Executive Committee at the 2025 SCN8A Annual Gathering

We are a volunteer-run organization!


The Cute Syndrome Foundation's work depends on the support of dedicated volunteers. From events and fundraising to advocacy and community support, volunteers play an important role in helping us serve the SCN8A community. 

​Contact us to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
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Hillary Savoie, PhD

TCSF Founder, Writer, Advocate and Esmé's Mom

Hillary Savoie, PhD is the Founder and President of The Cute Syndrome Foundation. Her daughter Esmé has mutations in PCDH19, SCN8A, TBL1XR1, and MAP 3K7—making such a complex genetic puzzle that she's been written about in the Wall Street Journal. Hillary writes personal essays and reported features about life with medically-complex children for Romper.com. Her stories about Esmé have been featured on the New York Times Parenting Blog, the podcast Story Collider, among others.
Follow Esmé
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Danielle Hayward

Interim Executive Director and Lucy's Mom

Danielle Hayward is the Interim Executive Director of The Cute Syndrome Foundation. Her daughter, Lucy, was diagnosed with SCN8A at just two months old and ultimately passed away from complications at the age of three. That profound loss only deepened her commitment to the SCN8A community, and her hope for a brighter future for others guides her advocacy. Danielle began volunteering with TCSF in 2022 and joined the foundation’s Executive Committee as Director of Development and Communications in 2023.
Contact Danielle

Board of Directors

Hillary Savoie, PhD

Founder and President

Lan Aronson, PhD

Vice Secretary

Marianne Sutcliffe

Secretary

Philip Gitlen

Vice Chair

Ryan Pitino

Treasurer

Executive Leadership Team

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Contact Kacie

Kacie Craig

Family Programming Advisor
​
USA / Stella's Mom​
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Contact Shelley

Shelley Frappier

Director of Patient Engagement and Data Management
​
Canada / Nico's Mom
Megan and Lily Varner
Contact Kelly

Kelly Johnston

Community Giving Projects Advisor
​
USA / Mae's Mom​
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Contact Jen

Jen Patrick 

Administrative Support Specialist
USA / Sibby's Mom
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Contact Liz

Liz Ramirez

Bereavement Support and Grants Advisor
USA / Will's Mom
Megan and Lily Varner
Contact Megan

Megan Varner

Marketing Director
​
USA / Lily's Sister​
Past Annual Reports

Past PCDH19 Efforts

​Privacy Policy

The Cute Syndrome Foundation

PO Box 842 Ozark, MO 65721​
The Cute Syndrome is registered as a tax-exempt organization under IRS section 501(c)(3).
​
Our tax identification number is: 46-2699066.

© The Cute Syndrome Foundation, All rights reserved
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  • Home
  • About
    • About SCN8A
    • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Annual Report
  • Families
    • Join our SCN8A Community
    • Connor James Smith Patient Assistance Grant
    • Educational Videos >
      • Annual Gathering Event Recordings
      • Caregiver Talk + Tools
      • Cheers to a Good Life
      • Clinical Trial Readiness Series
      • Family and Researcher Roundtable Series
      • Meaningful Change Series
    • Resources
    • CUTE Connections Grant
    • SCN8A Warriors
    • Virtual Memory Wall
    • Awareness
  • Events
    • Annual Gathering >
      • CUTIES Awards
      • Speakers
      • Family Travel Info
      • Travel Grant
    • Monthly Family Programs
    • Virtual Race
  • Research
    • SCN8A Research
    • Clinical Trials
    • Research Grants
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Shop