On June 13, 2001, our daughter, Anna, was born with Down syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality which occurs once in approximately 733 live births.  In November 2002, we received the devastating news that Anna had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).  We had known from her birth that she ran a higher risk to contract this type of cancer. Through the difficult time of chemotherapy and recovery we got to know how incredibly strong our little girl is and we also learned a lot about both Down syndrome and AML.  We were amazed at how little is known about the two conditions and how they are related. For instance, children with Down syndrome who develop this type of leukemia have a much higher cure rate from the cancer than children without Down syndrome – but no one knows why.

There are many other medical issues and life challenges that individuals with Down syndrome face – such as heart ailments, Alzheimer’s, vision and hearing loss - many of the same conditions which are prevalent among the general population.  Scientists have recently determined that research efforts in Down syndrome can also unlock answers to these diseases affecting the general population.

In November 2003, on behalf of our daughter, and our family, and in partnership with Duke Children’s Hospital, we created Anna’s Angels, The Anna Michelle Merrills Foundation for Down Syndrome Research.  Anna’s Angels will provide funds to promote laboratory and clinical research in Down syndrome. A Scientific Advisory panel of four leading physicians from Duke University Medical Center as well as my husband and I will review the applications and issue the grants once a year.  Anna’s Angels awarded our first grants in January 2005.  We will continue to award grants in January of each year.

—Michelle Pfeiffer

To provide funding to promote research for Down Syndrome.

To help Down Syndrome children reach their full potential.