Team Telomere made Community Chats to be safe spaces for those in the Telomere Biology Disorder community to connect with others, ask questions to experts in the fields, and learn more about TBDs. Each chat has an overarching theme, and individuals can register in advance to attend chats.
November 12th – 7pm ET
Hematology in TBDs – Dr. Chris Reilly
Many individuals diagnosed with a Telomere Biology Disorder (TBD) have some hematologic manifestations, including asymptomatic cytopenias (i.e. low blood counts), symptomatic bone marrow failure, myelodysplastic syndrome, or acute myeloid leukemia. The screening, medical management, and treatment approach to these manifestations must be uniquely tailored to individuals with TBDs. Dr. Reilly is an adult Hematologist at Dana Farber Cancer Institute who treats patients with a genetic predisposition to blood cancers. He has a clinical interest in telomere biology disorders and is a member of Team Telomere’s Medical Advisory Board (MAB).
November 14th – 7pm ET
Legacy Chat – Cat Wilsnack, MSW, LMSW
Our Legacy Program began in 2018 to offer support and remind our bereaved community they will always have a place in our community. This Legacy Chat, led by Cat Wilsnack, MSW, LMSW, is for those who have lost a loved one to a Telomere Biology Disorder. During this chat, individuals can expect an open, safe space to talk about the challenges of living with grief and loss. Cat will facilitate discussion amongst attendees that fosters a sense of connection, support, and comfort. She will also be available to offer any assistance in finding local resources for mental health and support.
Catherine (Cat) Wilsnack, MSW, LMSW, is a licensed social worker with expertise in counseling individuals and families living with rare disease. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work where she is actively working on her dissertation. She has spent the past five years doing research and clinical work, including completing a Fellowship within the National Cancer Institute (NCI)’s Clinical Genetics Branch of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. During her fellowship, Cat was a research coordinator and investigator on multiple studies, most notably one study about telomere biology disorders, which is how she became connected to the TBD community. She attended her first Team Telomere Gala in 2019 and family camp in 2023 and has loved being involved with Team Telomere since.
Community Stories
Share your TBD story with our community! If you have a story or experience you would like to share with others, fill out our form to be added to our website. If you would like to update an already existing story, please contact us.