NSW grandparents gave the ultimate gift of love to the University of Sydney to research the medicinal potential of cannabis. Barry and Joy Lambert made an unprecedented $AU33.7 million donation to medical research. Watching their 3-year-old granddaughter, Katelyn, struggle with Dravet Syndrome prompted their generosity.

Katelyn was a normal, healthy baby up until 5 months old when she became sick. After 5 months of testing and emergency visits to hospital, Katelyn was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome. This is a genetic condition that affects the brain’s electrical wiring.

Dravet Syndrome usually sows up in the first year of a child’s life. This rare disease causes seizures, blackouts and uncontrollable twitching. These can last for long periods of time leading to developmental delays and intellectual disability. A decline in the health of the child can begin in their second year. This puts them at higher risk of death from Dravet Syndrome effects and any other related illnesses…