Believe-- a seven-letter word that means far more than its dictionary definition for the Wackers, a family of six from Eureka, Missouri. In the four and half years since their eldest daughter Gianna was diagnosed with Sanfilippo syndrome, a terminal illness, “Believe” has become their family mantra — a testament of hope and joy that has spread beyond their home in Missouri and into the University of Iowa Clinical Research Unit. 

Through the CTSA “Beyond Boundaries” initiative, the University of Iowa championed the Research Unit Network (RUN), a National and International collaboration of Clinical Research Units (CRUs) to support the mission of improving translational science. CRUs are central hubs that accelerate translational research. They provide the infrastructure, expertise, and services needed to manage study protocols, ensure compliance, and support research participants and their families. By bridging innovation and practice, CRUs streamline research by supporting the full translational spectrum from early clinical and pre-clinical studies to patient-centered outcomes.