Michelle Letter

April 9th, 2021

Dear North Carolina Awards Committee,

I am honored to offer this letter of support and recommendation for Dr. Priya Kishnani. Dr. Kishnani combines her extensive knowledge of Down syndrome with an abundance of compassion, willingness to listen and generosity of time. I appreciate the opportunity to share a few reasons about why she is so deserving of this high recognition. Of all of the professionals in my life, I cannot think of a more supportive, kind and knowledgeable person as her.

I met Dr. Kishnani in 2002 when my daughter, Anna, was 14 months old and diagnosed with leukemia. During this difficult time, I performed a tremendous amount of research to learn about individuals with Down syndrome. I founded a fund in partnership with Duke Children’s Hospital named Anna’s Angels, to raise funds for important research in this field. Dr. Rosoff, the Chief of Oncology at Duke, introduced me to Dr. Kishnani. My first impression of her was that she instantly demonstrated an abundance of passion for helping our loved ones with Down syndrome, while also advancing research in this underfunded area. Priya’s commitment to this essential and much-needed research and her ability to understand the challenges of patients is unparalleled.

Additionally, Dr. Kishnani leads her team to research important areas that will be the most meaningful for a higher quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. Her passion for this work and the steadfastness of tirelessly working is one of her most impactful contributions to the community that many of us hold so dear. One meaningful example is when she focused efforts on improving the cognitive and communicative ability of those with Down syndrome. Dr. Kishnani knew if this area was explored and researched, that the findings could determine what therapies would deliver the best outcome to help individuals with Down syndrome.

Dr. Kishnani sees past her patient’s diagnosis and knows they can contribute to our community in a meaningful way. She uses her immense knowledge, compassion, and network to ensure these families are supported and feel connected throughout her patient’s life. She hired a young adult with Down syndrome to work in her clinic to provide him with fulfilling employment as well as to provide hope for her new families. Showing them that the future is full of possibilities.

After so many years of commitment, Anna’s Angels recognized Dr. Kishnani for her outstanding service to the Down syndrome community in 2012. This award was presented to her for her long-standing devotion to research in the Down syndrome field and to her patients with Down syndrome. This research is an area that has long since been underfunded until very recently. She was always advocating and promoting research efforts to ensure her patients and families received the best care.

It has truly been my honor to have known Dr. Kishnani for almost 20 years and to have witnessed her commitment and caring for our loved ones with Down syndrome. There are many doctors that provide exceptional care for our children with Down syndrome, but I have not encountered any other person that has committed both their professional and personal life to furthering research and improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome like her.

Thank you for the opportunity to share why her families hold her in such a high honor.

Sincerely,

Michelle Pfeiffer

Director, Anna’s Angels Foundation
President, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh