Improving the quality of life together

Our Mission

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation works worldwide to improve the quality of life for people with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.
Caring for the caregivers

Family Support

In addition to informal networking, family mentorship, and social media interfaces such as Facebook, the SLO Foundation sponsors a national scientific and family medical conference every other year to support families affected by SLOS.

abstract line drawing of people standing
The Foundation works for you.

Advocacy

After families receive a diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, they are often challenged in finding credible information and support. Parents’ time and energy can be consumed by caring for their child who is living the real-time challenges of SLOS, leaving little left to seek, explore, and advocate for themselves.

As an advocate for families, Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation shoulders the efforts in networking and in gathering information from those living and working with SLO. The Foundation fosters relationships and disseminates useful information to help relieve some of the stresses involved in living with the syndrome.

Discovering more ➟ our mission for more ➟

Research advances our mission

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is a lifelong disorder with no cure and limited treatment options. It is often misunderstood.

Many individuals who have the syndrome remain undiagnosed for long periods of time or indefinitely.

It is the goal of the Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation to fund research that fosters an understanding of SLOS for a proper and clear diagnosis, effective treatments, and ultimately a cure.

Cholesterol graphic
Moving forward with gratitude

News & Events

Carson Gallagher laughing with two people in art room
Fundraising Event
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation

Carson’s Canvas Creations

Funds earned from Carson’s artwork support the Carson Gallagher Endowed Fund to benefit the Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation.

Read More »
James shaves hair for SLOS
Fundraising Event
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation

James Shaves for SLOS

James raised over $1,300 for the SLOS Foundation with his hair shave, beating his goal of raising $1,000 for the charity.

Read More »
2023 Jukie Duren Endowment
Fundraising Event
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation

Jukie Jones Duren Endowment

An endowment fundraiser to provide an eventual annual source of support for the Foundation to help SLOS families.

Read More »
Researchers in lab
SLOF News
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation

A Lasting Legacy

The Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation advances the ability to collect SLOS tissue for medical research through generous donations.

Read More »
Giving Hearts Day logo
Fundraising Event
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation

Giving Hearts Day 2023

Giving Hearts Day is February 9th, 2023.
Support the Foundation on this incredible day of generosity and support!

Read More »
2021 Mark Noah Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Fundraising Event
Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation

2021 Golf Tournament

A golf scramble to benefit the Smith-Lemli-Opitz Foundation • Sunday, September 12th, 2021 • Lakeview Golf Course • Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Read More »

You cannot hope to build a better world
without improving the individuals.
To that end, each of us
must work for his own improvement,
and at the same time,
share a general responsibility for all humanity,
our particular duty being to aid those
to whom we think we can be most useful.”

Ready for support?
Want to help?
Join us today.

You don’t have to go through life with Smith-Lemli-Optiz syndrome alone. Be in this together with us.