iHope Program

What is the iHope Program?

The iHope Program is a philanthropic initiative launched by Illumina to make clinical whole-genome sequencing (cWGS) accessible to underserved children facing rare and undiagnosed genetic diseases (RUGD). It operates through the Illumina Clinical Services Laboratory (ICSL) in San Diego, California.

Children account for approximately 50% of patients affected by rare diseases. Without a correct diagnosis and treatment, 30% of these children will not reach their fifth birthday. The program was created to address the challenges patients and their families face with RUGD. Many of these families are financially disadvantaged and lack access to next-generation sequencing-based testing or other molecular-based diagnostic procedures.

watch the video of VanBrocklin Family iHope Story

What is the goal for the iHope Program and its collaborators?

The iHope Program and its clinical collaborators aim to end the long diagnostic journey children and their families endure to find answers. The cWGS testing provided by the iHope Program can end unnecessary testing and other interventions, enable changes to clinical management, and optimize patient care. The program also provides important genetics and genomics education for patients, families, and their RUGD communities.

"Understanding the scope and size of the population affected by rare diseases, we have a moral imperative to increase the visibility of this global health problem and help find solutions for the children and families who are suffering."

Francis deSouza, Illumina President and CEO
meet the iHope Illumina collaborators

Who collaborates with the Illumina iHope Program?

Illumina collaborates directly with patient groups, clinical institutions, and academic centers around the world to identify patients appropriate for testing. Currently, with over 20 collaborations, the iHope program continues to grow globally. Collaborators in the US include nonprofits (e.g., Rare Genomics Institute), academic centers (e.g., Washington University), and children’s hospitals (e.g., Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital).

watch the video of Joaquin iHope Story

How can patients/clinicians/providers be part of this effort?

Clinical experts including pediatric specialists, medical geneticists, and genetic counselors affiliated with collaborating iHope institutions make referrals to their institutions' iHope Program. Participating pediatric patients should have undiagnosed conditions suspected to be of genetic origin and have tangible barriers to accessing cWGS services. Families interested in the iHope Program can learn more through their clinician or contact the Illumina iHope Team.

Is there a cost associated with services provided by the iHope Program?

Eligible participants selected by the iHope program collaborators will receive cWGS at no cost.

What are the requirements for sites that collaborate with the Illumina iHope Program?

Illumina iHope collaborators must have:

  • An underserved pediatric population where cWGS is needed
  • Clinical experts who can refer children with tangible barriers to cWGS and undiagnosed conditions suspected to be of genetic origin
  • A dedicated liaison within their institution to facilitate operations of this program
iHope logo

Illumina recently established iHope Genetic Health. How is this program related to the current Illumina iHope Program?

iHope Genetic Health is a program governed and operated by Genetic Alliance. It expands on the Illumina iHope model by empowering laboratories around the world to provide cWGS at no charge. iHope Genetic Health leverages genomic sequencing technology from Illumina, donations from philanthropists, and technology partners to make cWGS accessible to underserved communities around the world.

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Who can I get in touch with to learn more?

iHope Program: Contact the Illumina iHope Team at iHopeTeam@illumina.com
iHope Genetic Health: Contact Genetic Alliance

View Press Release 2021
Hear from More iHope Participants