#GivingTuesday Spotlight: Scott Kerns
Today marks #GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. As we reflect on the incredible individuals who have made a lasting impact on debra of America’s mission, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on one such supporter: Scott Kerns.
In his role as Program Manager at Abeona Therapeutics, Scott is dedicated to advancing treatments for the Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) Community. The latest news, announced just yesterday on November 27, 2023, is particularly momentous —the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Priority Review for pz-cel (prademagene zamikeracel), Abeona’s investigational autologous, COL7A1 gene-corrected epidermal sheets for the treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB), and set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of May 25, 2024. This date marks when the FDA will announce its decision on the drug’s approval, raising hopes for pz-el to become the SECOND FDA-approved treatment for EB! 
Scott’s commitment to the EB Community extends beyond his workday. In May 2023, Scott took up the challenge of running 13.1 miles in this year’s Flying Pig Marathon Weekend in Cincinnati, OH as a member of debra’s endurance team, #TEAMDEBRA, where he raised vital funds and awareness. Scott and his colleagues also took an active part in the 2023 dash4debra, an annual Supporter Led Event hosted by EB Community member, Megan Gosselin. Scott captained his dash4debra team, Abeona’s VIITAL Runners, recruiting an amazing 11 people to join him in supporting this special event!
“I have had the opportunity to work at Abeona Therapeutics and be involved in the VIITAL study to help RDEB patients. It was through this that I became involved with TEAM DEBRA to combine my passion for running with raising awareness and support for the EB Community,” Scott shares. “Being involved with debra of America has allowed me to be more involved and connected with the already strong EB Community. Having a group like them helps keep the drive and motivation to keep persevering strong because it is a constant reminder that the individuals with EB are fighting every minute of every day. Ultimately, I just want to do what I can to support such a wonderful community, whether it is through work, engaging with the EB Community, or running a race.”
Please join us in celebrating Scott and the many other EB champions like him who embody the true spirit of giving. Your support, whether through donations, participation in events, or spreading awareness, allows us to integrate direct services, advocacy, education, and research to foster meaningful change for those living with EB. THANK YOU!
