Questions about Harvest of Compassion

The Harvest of Compassion Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It funds research and treatment for rare genetic conditions, so that children around the world have the opportunity to flourish.

No. The Harvest of Compassion Foundation is an independent nonprofit. It works with clinics and research organizations, funds early groundwork and treatment access, and does not develop or sell therapies itself.

Maple syrup urine disease, or MSUD, is an inherited condition in which the body cannot break down three amino acids found in protein: leucine, isoleucine and valine.

A newborn screen can catch MSUD at birth.

MSUD is treated today with a strict, measured low-protein diet for life, with medical formula replacing most food, and regular blood tests.

Gene therapy aims to give the body a working copy of the missing gene, so the child's own liver can process protein.

MSUD occurs in about 1 in 400 live births among Old Order Mennonites in Lancaster County, the highest known rate in the world, and Harvest of Compassion is based there. It is also the condition furthest along in the research pipeline.

Other rare inherited conditions are on a similar track, including TNNT1 nemaline myopathy and GM3 synthase deficiency. Each occurs in small communities in several countries.

Yes. The Harvest of Compassion Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and a receipt is sent for every gift.

Donations fund the earliest stage of gene therapy research for rare genetic conditions, and help families and clinics access treatment once a therapy exists.

No. The Harvest of Compassion Foundation is an independent nonprofit. It works with clinics and research organizations, funds early groundwork and treatment access, and does not develop or sell therapies itself.

Clinics and programs that serve families with rare inherited diseases can request funding for programs such as a family day or early research groundwork such as patient data collection.

The organization name, a contact, a description of the program, who it serves, the amount requested, and a PDF with any supporting detail.

The board reviews requests monthly and replies in writing to every request.