How can we imbue the magic of life-saving science with the magic of living?

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In this deeply personal talk, Lindsey Wahlstrom-Edwards shares the lessons she learned as both a clinical research professional and a mother navigating her daughter Rona’s rare disease treatment. Through her experience, Lindsey challenges conventional thinking around clinical trials, highlighting the need for clearer communication, greater patient autonomy, and a stronger focus on quality of life. With six powerful ideas for reimagining pediatric research, she calls for a balance between the magic of science with the magic of life.

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About Lindsey Wahlstrom-Edwards

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Lindsey has spent the past decade amplifying participant voices in medical research. Her work became deeply personal in 2023 when her daughter Rona was diagnosed with a rare disease. As her daughter’s caregiver and stem cell donor, Lindsey participated in four clinical trials, an experience that reshaped her views on how we define success in research. She now leads partnerships at Sano Genetics, with previous roles at Antidote Technologies and Columbia University. Lindsey holds an MPH from Columbia University and dual bachelor’s degrees from Boston University.