We Say Goodbye to a Wolfram Trailblazer and Friend

Jon Wasson

Yesterday our dear friend Jon Wasson passed away after a lengthy battle with Cancer. Jon was instrumental in the discovery of the Wolfram gene (WFS1). Jon worked closely with the late Dr. Alan Permutt, both bringing Wolfram syndrome research to the forefront at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM).

Jon played a major role in establishing the Wolfram clinics at WUSM bringing together families from around the world who are dealing with the disease. Jon’s kind and personal connection with the families with Wolfram Syndrome led to the success of the Wolfram Clinic and Registry. Jon was a major supporter of the Snow Foundation and a true friend to our family. He will be sorely missed.

“Jon was always kind and thoughtful, and dedicated to our research on Wolfram syndrome. Great loss for all of us.” – Fumihiko Urano, MD, PhD – Washington University School of Medicine

“I will miss Jon tremendously. He was straight-shooting, honest, insightful and very passionate about his work, repeatedly going the extra mile to help our Wolfram Syndrome families and to facilitate our research.” – Tamara Hershey, Ph.D. – Washington University School of Medicine